How can you tell if it is an "authorized" taxi?

[SAGE]

Hi,
Read in several tour books to make sure you use an authorized taxi. How do you tell? Are there certain companies you only use? I plan to take a taxi occasionally from resort to resort however I don't want to pay unregulated fares.

Thanks.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I'm sure Edd (an independent Orlando-area transportation advocate) will respond when he sees your post, but I would think as long as the taxi has a meter in it, it's legitimate. Make sure the driver uses the meter for your ride.

 

[clkelley]

Also, if you are using resort to resort taxis, drop by bell services at the resort you wish to leave from. They know who the authorized taxis are.

 

[helenk]

I am pretty sure that Mears has the taxi service that is authorized in WDW. As long as a CM from the resort calls for you they would be calling the authorized company.

 

[Edd]

The only taxi system you can actually trust is Mears. They use yellow and black vans and sedans. They are called "Checker Cab." Don't get fooled by the misuse of the word "Checker" to fool you into thinking it is a Mears Cab. All hotels, except the Swan and Dolphin, have these cabs on their stand and are accessible through the front desk or bell stand. Tell the driver to use the Meter or get out of the cab. Do not accept flat rates from a driver.

Downtown Disney is swarmed by the Mears replica cabs. The only way you can tell the difference is to spell out "Checker." The others have names such as "Check Her." and such. The book you are talking about probably refers to Mears as the authorized taxis. Mears has a huge contract with Disney for transportation.

 

[SAGE]

I really appreciate the information.
I will have my autistic DS 17 with me and want the option to "quickly exit" if he becomes overwhelmed. But don't want to pay $$$$.
Thanks again.

 

[seashoreCM]

Mears now owns both the "Yellow Cab" and "Checker Cab" names (franchises?) for use in Orlando.

They own a few other very popular cab company names for use in Orlando too.

Can someone tell me (us) whether Mears' cabs have "Mears" in fine print somewhere on the car, perhaps in a window sign?

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[TSR6]

Yes, they do say "Mears" somewhere on the car. Sometimes the Towncar services only have a "mears" logo front licence plate.

 

[Edd]

Mears has the black and yellow plate on the front of the car. I think there is something in small print on the car, but can't say for sure. I will check on it. Mears does have several fleets, as they are called, yellow, checker, city and safety. Checker is the only fleet that is operates of the Disney stands and pick up rides dispatched by Mears. The other fleets can pick up if the passengers previously rode with that driver and he set them up for pickup.