Joke is usually on us when it comes to April Fool’s Day
APRIL Fool’s Day – not even the taxi trade can steer clear of it. Over the years I’ve lost count of the number of wind-ups between drivers, the prank calls, daft jokes and unlikely requests.
You have to laugh – the only mercy is it’s over after 12 hours.
In recent years it appears that it’s the taxi brands and companies who have become worse offenders than any drivers or individuals.
I’ll give you a few examples …
Back in 2015, Vauxhall Vivaro claimed to have created the Taxi Kebabi, a cab with a built-in kebab shop in the back. As well as the two gas-fired spit rotisserie grills, the modified Vivaro was said to have salad bowls integrated into the arm rests, chilli dispensers and of course a tasty selection of sauces. A driver’s nightmare but a good laugh!
April Fool’s rating – 4/5
Driverless taxis were a regular April 1st favourite back in the day, though it sails a bit too close to virtual reality for my liking now! How did you get on in The Knowledge test, Mr Robot?
April Fool’s rating – 1/5.
Mini launched a new T vehicle which it claimed could run after being filled with our favourite hot brew. Tea total nonsense, in the end, quelle surprise!
April Fool’s rating – 2/5
Food and taxis really don’t mix well most of the time but try telling that to Toyota. Similar to the Taxi Kebabi, they unveiled a new HiAce convertible vehicle, which came with an optional pie oven, making it the PieAce. Load of mince, if you ask me!
April Fool’s rating – 3/5
Finally, my favourite isn’t strictly taxi related, but did claim to involve taxis in its execution, hence it makes the list. The idea was to rename the London Eye, the London Aye, to attract more Scots to the landmark - with the support of city marketing organisations and taxi firms across the UK. Believable. Good pun. Winner!
April Fool’s rating – 5/5
So come tomorrow there’s your benchmark! Me? I’ll just be glad to get to midday unscathed by an April Fool – it’s an April Full of positivity, good health and people getting more of their freedoms back which gets my vote.
Stay safe.