Something tells me that hellokittie (love your screen name, by the way) is perfectly capable of deciding which situations call for a taxi and which call for the metro. Taxis are not <i>always</i> a bad idea. And even if they are more expensive and take longer, sometimes you just <i>want</i> or <i>need</i> a taxi.

The main light is always on if the taxi is on duty, whether it has a fare or not.

I just wanted to say that taxis are fun for those of us who want to see Paris aboveground, and who want the quietude of gentle conversation, without a bunch of other people around getting on and off the bus.

Each form of transportation has its interests, but taxis are worth the money if your route between points traverses some interesting places, and frankly, that's almost always the case.

In short, taxi rides can be exciting, romantic and charming. It isn't all about time, money and efficiency (and there are other places to save money...it is a vacation after all).

This topic is near and dear to my heart. Some times it's a LOT faster to take a cab than to take a metro. I've proven it many times. Sometimes I just don't want to be bothered with trying to figure out where to change and which direction and all that.

I have always ADORED taking cabs in Paris until recently when I had a bad experience with a cab driver. I think it's best to act as if you are calling someone as soon as you get into a cab and tell them the cab type and cab number and phone number - just in case the driver feels like being contrary.