vent - taxi drivers

olias

For the last couple of months, I have occasionally had to take a taxi from my town to a neighbouring village. The cost £7 (Its only a mile or two) This was the price given from the taxi firm boss. The last time was a few weeks ago. I took the taxi again today (same firm), as we set off, I said to the driver (Its usually £7, is that right?) He rang the boss who said, 'its £10'. I obviously complained, but was effectively told, pay up or get out.

I used to be a taxi driver myself, so I know how things are done. We always used the meter, or had a printed list of set fares to all the surrounding towns and villages.

I know its not a big deal, or a large amount, but its nearly 50% difference, and I just hate being ripped off. Just a vent really.

Olias

tomtontom

Why not tell him to use the meter?

Kernow666

am surprised there isnt more threads about taxi drivers on here as round my way they act as if they own the road stop where they want no signals etc etc

wealdroam

Kernow666 wrote: »

am surprised there isnt more threads about taxi drivers on here...

Could that be because people who frequent Moneysavingexpert.com don't use taxis?

SailorSam

Black Cabs have to charge the price on the meter which is set by the Council, the only time they can add to that on a normal journey is if they go out of their area (normally 4mls from the boundary), even then they should let you know before you get in.
On the other hand Private Hire can charge more or less whatever they want.
I think you should phone your Council Licensing Office to complain and ask if that was allowed. And in future use another company.

dacouch

Kernow666 wrote: »

am surprised there isnt more threads about taxi drivers on here as round my way they act as if they own the road stop where they want no signals etc etc

I'm not sure where you get that from, Taxi drivers are the most unselfish people I know.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/pictured-cabbie-grabs-mcdonalds-blocks-3380686

PlymouthMaid

Taxi drivers wind me up so much. Why is it that even when there is somewhere to pull in at the side of the road, they insist on blocking the road as if they own it. So pig headed.

paddyrg

I only ever catch meter taxis now, the price is always fair to both parties, and often cheaper than private hire too. O2 to hotel just the other end of the tunnel £13 black cab, £25 private hire. I thought the guy was joking at first. And don't start me on private hire GPS drivers - I had one pick me up from Putney bridge who didn't know where Paddington station was - he even asked me what road it was on! One of the major London landmarks for over 100 years, somewhere you know other locations in relation to. Now it's always a black cab, using hailo of there isn't one to hand or I'm in a back street.

LimeLight

paddyrg wrote: »

I only ever catch meter taxis now, the price is always fair to both parties, and often cheaper than private hire too. O2 to hotel just the other end of the tunnel £13 black cab, £25 private hire. I thought the guy was joking at first. And don't start me on private hire GPS drivers - I had one pick me up from Putney bridge who didn't know where Paddington station was - he even asked me what road it was on! One of the major London landmarks for over 100 years, somewhere you know other locations in relation to. Now it's always a black cab, using hailo of there isn't one to hand or I'm in a back street.

Around here, the black cabs are dearer than private hire.

The_ICT_Engineer

Round here the cabs seem to only work 9-5.

SailorSam

A taxi journey is probably only dearer if you're on your own. When there are a few shareing it will mostly be cheaper than getting the local bus.