It's become a constant source of complaint after major events on the outskirts of Manchester - the cost and lack of availability of taxis.
After the recent Parklife festival at Heaton Park, and the Stone Roses gigs at the Etihad Stadium, many M.E.N readers complained about the impossibility of getting licensed 'black cabs' - and allegations that drivers of private hire vehicles were asking ridiculous amounts for short journeys.
Manchester council chiefs have said they spoke to 'hundreds' of private hire drivers at the Stone Roses gigs to make sure they were not illegally picking up un-booked fares.
That revelation sparked even more complaints from Stone Roses fans.
David Chaffey commented on our story: "I tried flagging a taxi down from Failsworth to Shaw and was quoted £40! I walked up to Failsworth to get away from the crowd after the Friday gig. At that point I pointed out I could get a taxi to Liverpool for that much let alone a 15 minute drive!"
And MUFC1937 said: "We asked a cabbie how much to Victoria station and he said £70. Guess what I told him to do?"
JevvreyBorra said: "All those who upped their rates should have their licences revoked."
But as two private hire drivers pointed out, punters shouldn't really be 'flagging down' their vehicles. Private hire drivers are not allowed to pick up passengers that haven't already booked, and their insurance will not be valid if they do.
theegg said: "I've driven a private hire for 28 years and work next to the stadium. Never picked up one unbooked fare at any concerts, but could have picked up hundreds begging and offering mad money. Council should make better arrangements to get people home safely.
"And, by the way, two of our company's drivers were offered crazy money to take them home. Turned out they were council licensing officers trying to trap drivers.
"If you've not booked it don't blame drivers if you're offering them daft money."
The Stone Roses at The Etihad
Pfh1970 said: "I'm a private hire driver. It was the same at Parklife, the organisation was an absolute shambles. Was booked to to take 8 people back to Wythenshawe. People offering crazy money to take them home. Nowhere to park, roads closed all over the place. Not working Parklife next year."
And other customers agreed. GarySalamander said: "In a private hire car, the fare is a matter of private hire contract between you and the operator.
"In other words you should agree the fare before the journey, or in the absence of that it's the fare on their meter. If you want regulated fares, use a black cab."
Another complication in the row is the claim by many taxi drivers that Rossendale Council gives out private hire licenses too easily , and that these drivers then add to the chaos around major sporting and music events around Manchester.
Badger 7 said: "Rossendale Council give taxi drivers licenses like they're 10m swimming certificates. It's no surprise these drivers do what they want. It's simple - if you get into a taxi, insist the driver uses the meter - that's what it's there for."
Pfh1970 said: "Most Manchester and Trafford private hire drivers have been arguing this for years. Rossendale drivers don't abide by the same rules as us so when people report them to Manchester or Trafford council they can't do anything.
"I know Greater Manchester Police have started stopping Rossendale drivers especially at the airport."
