A stylish ride with a difference – Rye’s black cab

“It may be a traditional black cab,” says George Thompson, “but I live in Rye and I want it to be an asset for the local community.” George is Surrey born, but with regular visits as a child to a holiday home in Camber – establishing a long-term relationship with this area.

It’s not really normal behaviour in Rye, but when its yellow light is illuminated there’s nothing to stop you hailing George’s taxi as it cruises down the High Street, just like any of the range of licensed taxi services we already have here. It is the only black cab registered in the Rother and Wealden area, and runs on a normal meter, or operates fixed price longer distances journeys to London, airports and beyond. But primarily George wants to run a local business, serving residents, visitors and the business community, just in a rather different style!

George comes from a military background and many years of experience in close protection security and driving. He has worked for company executives, politicians and royalty. This culminated in a decision to use a traditional black cab for secure transport in London. Some of us may remember that this was Prince Philip’s favourite method of getting round the city discreetly. It may look traditional on the outside but the interior was completely redesigned by Bentley and rebuilt in one of their authorised workshops and so may be a little more luxurious than you would have expected. You can imagine that Chris Whitty (of COVID fame) was surprised when George rescued him from a wet walk to a late appointment!

As with any modern cab, it is a hybrid, operating solely on electric power when not on a long distance fare. Local rides in the Rye area will therefore be “sustainable” and not contributing to climate change.

Now the taxi is based in Rye, after George moved from London to Peasmarsh and then to Rye itself. It is unusual in that it seats 6 passengers, and has full mobility access if needed. Because of his military background, he is keen to support veterans and other emergency service retirees with discounted fares. He would also like to organise support to enable ex-service members to get to important events such as Remembrance Sunday, especially in the light of the important VE anniversary this year.

As for competition with Rye’s current taxi services George states: “Yes, I am another metered taxi in Rye, but I like to think that I occupy a bit of a niche as well as compete with other drivers. For example, I offer disabled access and seating for 6 which gives businesses, residents and visitors to Rye a complementary option when looking for a local or long distance taxi service.”

With George’s wide-ranging background and experiences I expect that you will also have the opportunity to participate in plenty of “cabby” chat as you take your ride!

The Rye Chauffeur email: info@theryechauffeur.co.uk   phone: 07512 124465

Image Credits: George Thompson .