Prague Taxi Driver Takedown!

This show [led us] to create our own show and defend the truth because City Hall took a stand which we could not agree with. I have no idea how the Czech police came to the conclusion that the show was staged. The cab drivers and most of the people shown were real. The more we shoot, the more we realize that it was, in fact, true.

I travel a lot, and when somebody helps me in another country, it is always something you remember. I try to do the same with tourists in Prague. They came [here] to spend their time and money, so we should be help. And most of us do. But there are crooks that take advantage. Those are the people I deal with on my show.

Yes and no. They should [have to] be careful, but only to a certain level. If they sit in a car that has an official permit from the city to be driven as a taxi within Prague, they should feel absolutely safe, not like today.

I was hoping to never have to enter the ring. I imagined a fair fight taking place partially on the street, but mainly in the editing room. This changed quite quickly. And the reason I eventually entered the ring is that they have been doing this for 20 years. It’s about time somebody stops them.

As of right now, I don’t think I will file any charges. If I have a problem with them, I go directly to them. I know for a fact, that pressing charges wouldn’t change a thing. I just wanted my 600 CZK back, and this chubby taxi driver to be a man and not act like a coward.

Well, just like in the movies, you get the good cop and the bad cop. The cops that arrived at our little incident were trying to help within the law, but I didn’t really want their help when the fight was over. They were called to prove to our viewers that calling the police isn’t as good of an idea as City Halll claims.

I’m focusing mainly on the smaller groups who “work” on Pařížská, Karlova, Malé náměstí and partially on Dlouhá. Then there is another “family”, if you will. They park near Karlovy lázně (also partially on Anděl and Smíchov), and recently during the IIHF World Championship, took over parking places near O2 Arena. Another group is on Václavské náměstí.

How is a sign with a thumb up going to prevent a driver from overcharging? Anyone can park there or stand there (not legally of course). But these crooks we’re talking about take it to the next level. They are parked illegally in the best spots in Prague, with no permit. That’s what makes us so angry.

Most of them are “freelance”, because that makes them harder to get. So no big names involved. I did film some crooked drivers that run under a big company, but I don’t want to name it, as it would hurt the name for all of the other drivers.

Don’t. You simply don’t need it. From the airport yes, but they will tell you the price, and it is safer than it used to be. Get a printed receipt at and ask for the price in advance. Of course, after midnight when you need it you always have to call. After 2 am getting an official price off the street is nearly impossible. 

Quick cut of all the tourist saying the prices they have paid. Me trying it in person. Being pulled out of the car. Being threatened, and then, the best one, the mayor telling me I am acting unmannerly. And that my parents made a mistake during my upbringing. Just this.

Close to zero. The reaction from the mayor, that we are about to publish took a lot of strength. I can’t tell you how much I hope, that the city officials take this show and do their job. Karlova Street seems to be clear, at least since our episode most of these crooks will now tell you the price in advance. They claim that it is then legal (which it’s really not, they are still bound by Prague regulations).

It shows that after all, the citizens of Prague DO care. We hope to inform people enough, to fight for the future of Prague, where we can invite people to visit us, without giving them a security briefing ahead of time.

It’s 2015 and there actually really IS an app for everything. Uber, Liftago, Wundercar and some other apps are doing a great job. Unfortunately the city is not helping them and they are actually bullying them. One day hailing a cab of the street will be like sending a fax.

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