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Notorious Taxis Take Mayor for a Ride
PRAGUE (Reuters) - Prague Mayor Pavel Bem got a close-up look at how the city's notorious taxi drivers operate this week when he went undercover for a ride and was overcharged by some 500 percent.
Bem, at the request of the daily Mlada Fronta Dnes, wore a disguise and pretended to be a foreigner when he hailed a taxi from Old Town Square to take him to Prague Castle, a route commonly traveled by the city's tourist masses.
Upon arrival Bem could not believe his eyes when the three kilometer (1.8 miles) trip cost a whopping 785 crowns ($34.17) about 500 percent over the official rate.
"I expected to be overcharged by maybe 50 or 100 percent. But not by 500 percent!" Bem said, adding controls on taxis will be increased.
During another ride the mayor asked to pay in euros and the fare rose instantly by 200 percent.
With more than 4 million tourists flocking to Prague's ancient center last year, tourism is a major industry for the new EU member.
Prague taxis have regulated meters but drivers are said to install devices that speed them up at the push of a button.
Last year a German parliamentarian complained she was overcharged during a visit and some officials fear the reputation will tarnish the city's image.
Bem's advice to tourists? "Agree on a price in advance."
© Reuters 2005. All Rights Reserved.
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