 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
159
on all journeys within the Metropolitan Police District. The District covers most of Greater London and goes
out to the Heathrow Airport. For longer journeys the price is usually negotiated with the driver beforehand.
There is also a minimum payable charge which is shown on the meter when you hire the cab. Passengers are
expected to pay extra for large luggage, journeys between 20.00—06.00, at weekends and holidays.
There are over 500 ranks throughout London, including all major hotels and British Rail stations.
Besides black cabs there are mini-cabs which practically render similar services. But they cannot be
hailed in the street, they are indistinguishable from private cars. Unlike the black cabs they are not licensed
and their drivers do not take the same stringent tests. They are cheaper than black cabs. Usually they are
ordered by telephone. They are listed in Yellow Pages.
When Vladimir saw a cab with a yellow light he signaled it to halt:
Vladimir: Excuse me, could you take me to Westminster Bridge?
Driver: Yes, certainly. Get in please. .... Where do you want me to stop?
Vladimir: Near Big Ben or just opposite the Houses of Parliament.
Driver:
Good..... Here you are.
Vladimir:
How much is it?
Driver:
The meter says three forty.
Vladimir: Here it is... Keep the small change.
Driver:
Thank you. Good-bye. Enjoy the sights.
Words and expressions
taxi
такси
cab
такси
syn. taxi cab, taxi
to go by taxi
поехать на такси
by himself
сам, самостоятельно
to economise
экономить
to hail
останавливать
to hail a taxi
останавтивать такси
in the street
на улице
to paint
окрашивать, красить
to be painted different
colours
быть окрашенным в разные
цвета
to be painted led
быть окрашенным в красный
цвет
to be painted green
быть окрашенным в зеленый
цвет
limited
ограниченный
advertising
['
dv
ta
z
]
реклама
to bind (bound, bound)
связывать
strict
точный, строгий
regulation
[,re
ju'le
n]
предписание, правило
yellow
желтый
light
[la
t]
огонек, огонь, свет
to light (lit, lit)
освещать
windscreen
переднее /лобовое стекло
meter
счетчик
metropolitan
столичный
police
полиция
district
район
to cover
покрывать, охватывать
Greater London
Большой Лондон
to negotiate
обсуждать, вести перего
воры о ..
to negotiate the price
обсуждать цену
beforehand
заранее
payable
подлежащий оплате