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The oh-so-elusive Microsoft cab

Inspired by end-of-week lethargy, and despite the suspicion of it being a bit ungreen, I thought I'd have a shot this morning at catching one of those free Microsoft cabs. Notting Hill Gate seemed a likely enough spot--inside Zones 1 and 2, nice busy road--so I found a pavement spot with a clear view both ways and got ready to ride.
Written by Karen Friar, Contributor

Inspired by end-of-week lethargy, and despite the suspicion of it being a bit ungreen, I thought I'd have a shot this morning at catching one of those free Microsoft cabs. Notting Hill Gate seemed a likely enough spot--inside Zones 1 and 2, nice busy road--so I found a pavement spot with a clear view both ways and got ready to ride.

Reader, I waited in vain. Plenty of other black cabs rolled by looking for fares--but none with the 2007 Microsoft Office brand. I passed the time counting taxis with Mamma Mia ads, imagining what kind of patter the cabbies would have ("Had that Steve Ballmer in the back once..."), and wondering whether Microsoft would cover the tip.

After half an hour, I gave up and got the Tube. Probably not long enough to be fair, but by then I'd come to the conclusion that the free cabs were probably all circling the City. I'll give it another go in different parts of London over the next couple of weeks.

But it would be great to hear if anyone else has spotted these cabs. Tell us if you have--and if you've got documentary evidence (a photo?) that would be even better.

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