PRAGUE: The mayor of Prague has disguised himself as an English-speaking rock star to test the trustworthiness of the city's taxi drivers, a year after he was appalled at the treatment he received while masquerading as an Italian businessman.
Pavel Bem (43), who wore three days of stubble, a false goatee and sideburns for his study, reported some improvement on last winter, when he was charged five times the proper amount for a short ride through the Czech capital.
This time he reported that one driver doubled the fare shown on his meter and another charged him exactly the right sum. But while neither man gave him a receipt, both offered free advice on bars, discos and where to find Prague's best marijuana and prostitutes.
Millions of foreigners visit Prague each year, but many leave with less-than-happy memories. Last month, Australia's foreign ministry warned visitors to the city to beware of greedy taxi drivers, pickpockets and false policemen levying fines.
