Taxi driver didn't turn up - advice?

Ivrytwr3

Hey all,

The in-laws booked a taxi to collect them from home at 3am and to meet up with a coach that was taking them on a foreign holiday.

The taxi didn't arrive on time and so they called their office who stated it was on its way. They waited approx 30mins and were now in danger of missing the coach they knocked up their next door neighbour who took them to meet the coach - they made it.

Not a nice way to start their holiday, but they have texted us and are both angry and worried:

a. Angry that they were not picked up on time and had to seek alternative arrangement.

b. Worried that the taxi company may try to charge them as they booked the service and did not use it.

I've told them the company should be apologising and they shouldn't worry about being charged as it won't happen.

What are your thoughts?

Bob_the_Saver

Taxi's often don't turn up on time, I've had it 3 times this year in various places in the world. Just have a plan B. but yes, the company should be apologising.

adouglasmhor

The Taxi company has not got a leg to stand on. I have had taxi company operators tell me the taxi was outside my flat when I was standing in the middle of the road where they were claiming to be.

mcfisco

I'll get back to you on this one............

I'm 5 minutes away, just around the corner

Mk14:37

You are right, and there is no risk of being charged.

TakeThis

Charge them how? Did they give CC details?

Ivrytwr3

no details were passed, just the booking confirmed over the phone.

They are OAP's they are swinging from threatening to take them to court for failing to show and causing them undue stress (what if there was no one else to take them? They had to wake their neightbour at 3am who had to drive them 20 odd miles etc) to worrying if the taxi company can sue them for failing to show!

McKneff

The taxi company will not charge them. They havent a leg to stand on.

When they get home they should write a really stern letter to the taxi company.

Then, move on with their lives. And dont use the taxi company again.

They would get nowhere suing them and this would only add to their stress anyway.

Thank goodness for good neighbours.

TakeThis

Don't worry. Taxi driver failed to pick me up on time from the airport. He lied and told me that he was told a different time as was on his way. I told him not to bother. I hope he was just outside the airport at the time.

They have an oral agreement to be there at a certain time. If they are not there, they have broken that agreement.

s_b

i will never use a taxi company for the reasons mentioned above
or because if its private hire i see some of these vehicles on a day to day basis and maintenance isnt very high on their agenda
to the op do as ive done this last ten years
nominate a trusted friend, neighbour, associate to collect you and pay them in foreign goods (ciggies in my case) or other worldy chattels so you know you will get your connection

taxis are for the great unwashed these days

Bob_the_Saver

s_b wrote: »

taxis are for the great unwashed these days

see what you mean.

http://assetstorage.friendsreunited.co.uk/AssetStorageService.svc/GetImage/721212193/700/700/0/0/1/80/ResizeBestFit/0/PressAssociation/E044DB076D0E11B602B864B13AD6757F

https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT9Vnusd_LsrUJSsAB6OcnmDeN48afFz2-s-9e7Lgm-zM3yKb64vA