incrediby bad experience with taxi driver today

[badbadboy]

Holy shit, I got ripped off by a Calgary cabbie a few years back. Not a white fellow, though, not that it matters. Guy decided to take the scenic route just after dark, going all the fucking way around the perimeter of the city. Called the guy on it, he tried to BS me, and I told him he's a sneaky little prick - so we agreed to a flat rate, which was less than the meter. Otherwise, I told him to fucking drop me on the spot and I wasn't going to pay a dime.

I’ve lived in Calgary and always used the outside perimeter roads which for the most part are expressways. At least in the SE and the North those roads are much faster than navigating directly to your destination with lots of stop lights.

It’s something I wish we could have here in Vancouver. All this bumper to bumper stuff is frustrating. Designate streets like Knight, Marine Drive, Granville and build an expressway under the convention centres to connect them all.

 

[Mrmotorscooter]

You haven’t lived till you’ve ridden with an insane Russian Cab driver in Las Vegas who drives like a complete maniac at 100 mph from Fremont street back to Planet Hollywood. Can’t believe we didn’t die, he must have starred in some of those Russian driving vids. Hopefully Uber works out here, had pretty good experiences with them in most US cities.

 

[cruefan]

Obviously this person did not appreciate your business and has zero people skills.

Just take your business elsewhere next time where they have respect and appreciation for you.
It is that simple.

 

[Real Sonny Burnett]

You haven’t lived till you’ve ridden with an insane Russian Cab driver in Las Vegas who drives like a complete maniac at 100 mph from Fremont street back to Planet Hollywood. Can’t believe we didn’t die, he must have starred in some of those Russian driving vids. Hopefully Uber works out here, had pretty good experiences with them in most US cities.

I have had the same "Vegas experience", but the driver was an American (I believe he said he was from Wisconsin).

 

[rlock]

I've encountered so many rude taxi drivers that it's the main reason I do not support the taxis and prefer Uber or Lyft.

One argued over a preferred route to take to the N Shore. Whatever, it effected his tip.

Another pulled over for me to go to an ATM since he wanted cash and no cards.

Rating the drivers and customers on Uber and Lyft is a great idea. Taxi's would benefit by keeping their rude drivers in line.

The thing is, there are just as many stories about shitty & dangerous Uber / Lyft drivers. Some media companies don't report them (kickbacks perhaps?), but there's no reason to believe ride hailing drivers are any more professional than taxi drivers. In fact, a lot of the ride hailing drivers were - or still are - taxi drivers. The only innovation, besides ordering & paying from an app, is that they use their own vehicle, which doesn't look like a taxi. But in reality, Uber and Lyft are taxi companies.

So if I am wary of their drivers at all, I'm wary of being driven anywhere as a passenger, by anyone else.

Cabbies in WPG tried to stop transit from going to the airport, but it's there now.

It was the same here in Vancouver. When the Canada Line train was being built to YVR, the cab companies did not like it one bit. As partial compensation, the old Airporter shuttle bus that went between the airport and downtown hotels was discontinued. I suspect the other part was the extra fee people are paying when they take the train out of the airport. "Paying for station construction", my ass!

 

[masterblaster]

I got ripped off by a white driver in Calgary last summer.

We were staying at the hotel village on 16th Ave NW. Got cab at the airport and the guy went a couple of miles out of the way to jack up the fare. Up Center St and back down 14th NW. He assumed we were tourists who didn't know our way around but we had both lived there.
When I got back to Winnipeg I got a cab home. Fare was about $35. I gave the guy a fifty and he fucked off without giving me change or a receipt. Fucker! I not only got ripped off I couldn't claim the expense.
Airport cabs are def predators.
No wonder they cried about that Canada Line to the airport!
Cabbies in WPG tried to stop transit from going to the airport, but it's there now.

It’s called motel village, hearkening back to the days when it was all motels in the area. Don’t think the name has been changed to reflect the change in accommodations.

 

[SeekSteadyRegSP]

It's not the money that matters, but the fact that he was so rude. Overcharging me $5 is just another straw on the camel's back.

The guy was Indian and he was so fucking rude and shady. Ruined my return to Canada big time.

It sounds to us as if what matters most to you is that he is Indian.


Random factoid that has zero other reason for being here aside from your own prejudice.

(but thanks for clarifying as much! )

 

[poonerboi]

There are authenticated avenues for you to dispute with the taxi company if you feel you were taken advantage of.

I have to disagree with this statement . I have had more brutal experiences than good ones and have been refused service after calling in a valid complaint.

 

[stinkynuts]

Stinkynuts,

How was your trip to Thailand? I’ve never been but have heard great things about the food, hospitality, and deals to be had on amazing accommodations.

I’ve also heard it could be a destination for sex-tourism as often discussed on this board. "Cheaper, younger, more mileage for the buck” so I’ve read.

Sorry to hear you feel duped out of $5 upon your return to Canada. There are authenticated avenues for you to dispute with the taxi company if you feel you were taken advantage of.

I had a great time, but several bad experiences with the sps. It was a learning experience. The people are not as friendly as you might think. I felt that the men in particular had an attitude towards me for some reason. The food was great, and you can eat very good food for cheap. Hotels are very cheap as well, a nice room can be had for $80 a night. In pattaya, for $40. Weather was hot and humid, but to escape the winter it was nice.

Definitely would reccomend anyone here to go to Thailand for a few weeks, you won't regret it. It's an escape from reality, and I had a lot of fun spending and giving away lots of Thai money, which ended up only being about $3500 CDN. For example, an hour long foot massage in Pattaya is only 200 Baht ($8). The young girl was so nice I tipped her 500 Baht, and she was very happy. I tipped a lot of money to the hotel maids, taxi drivers, and waiters, and a $15 tip to them is like a day's wage, so they're very appreciative.

You definitely need good walking shoes, as you walk a lot.

As a guy who loves fruit, I was very happy. They sell bags of fresh watermelon, pineapple, mango, melon, etc... for only 20 Baht, which is like 80 cents. I ate so much fruit every day. Chicken and beef skewers were also good. Thai food is absolutely delicious, I had some really good Pad Thai sold on the streets for a couple bucks.

Worst part is the long (12 hour) plane ride to Bangkok. It was torture in economy class, and next time I will try premium economy with wider seats and greater recline. For some reason, the trip back to Vancouver wasn't as bad.

 

[87112]

Been to Bangkok once as well, I had the middle seat for that 12 hr flight. Never will go to Asia again for that reason alone ( stuck in the middle seat).

I rather be working and serving drinks on the flight as opposed to that much sitting. I don't know how pilots don't develop DVT in the legs on these flights if done regularly.

 

[stinkynuts]

Been to Bangkok once as well, I had the middle seat for that 12 hr flight. Never will go to Asia again for that reason alone ( stuck in the middle seat).

I rather be working and serving drinks on the flight as opposed to that much sitting. I don't know how pilots don't develop DVT in the legs on these flights if done regularly.

Completely agree. Actually I think I developed DVT on the plane because I only got up once and never took my socks and shoes off. When I got to the hotel I noticed my calf was very red. It then became purple and black. I suspect a blood clot developed and caused the bruising. When the clot dislodges it can block the veins and cause a brain aneurysm and death, it’s very serious.


I once got lucky and got an upgrade to business class for a trip back from Japan. The difference was night and day, the seat was so comfortable in the reclining position let alone the bed position. I slept like a baby and arrived home refreshed. Never travel economy to Asia, you will suffer and arrive tired and need days to recover. Splurge on an upgrade to at least PE and always check in two days before online to get the aisle seat.

 

[Newb808]

Premium economy is soooo worth it for long hauls. China Airlines (Taiwanese BTW) is $1300-$1800 to pretty much anywhere in Asia. There’s always a stop in Taipei both ways, and the inter Asian leg will typically be coach. I’m doing a few countries in spring starting in Japan, returning from Philippines and it’s currently $1600. Was looking at returning from Thailand and it would be $1800 but Bangkok to Taipei would be lie flat business class. Premium economy seat size, space, food and comfort beat domestic business class-no contest. No big deal to get up and stretch/walk.

 

[stinkynuts]

Premium economy is soooo worth it for long hauls. China Airlines (Taiwanese BTW) is $1300-$1800 to pretty much anywhere in Asia. There’s always a stop in Taipei both ways, and the inter Asian leg will typically be coach. I’m doing a few countries in spring starting in Japan, returning from Philippines and it’s currently $1600. Was looking at returning from Thailand and it would be $1800 but Bangkok to Taipei would be lie flat business class. Premium economy seat size, space, food and comfort beat domestic business class-no contest. No big deal to get up and stretch/walk.

Yes, it's best to do a search for the cheapest PE seat, and you will find deals with certain arilines. Often, they are about the same price as economy. Just look for certain dates and flights at unusual hours. You're traveling to Asia anyway, where the time difference is going to be 12 hours off, so it makes no difference if your flght is at 2 am. In fact, it wiill be better for you, as you will be forced tos stay awake and help you adjust to the time zone in Asia. PE seats are no substitute for business, but way better than economy.

 

[Newb808]

Yes, it's best to do a search for the cheapest PE seat, and you will find deals with certain arilines. Often, they are about the same price as economy...PE seats are no substitute for business, but way better than economy.

I only have two long haul PE journeys under my belt, planning my third, and after extensive bargain hunting, I’d say they’re more like %50-70 more than the same trip plan’s coach fare. And yeah, China Airlines (Taiwanese national carrier) transpacific PE is better than Air Canada and United business class North America. Even United First within the states paled in comparison on a recent flight and the aircraft wasn’t old or anything.
Back on topic, but speaking of foreign travel, it’s so reassuring using the ride hailing platforms places where you might not speak the language or have concerns about price transparency or personal safety. Nothing’s foolproof but there’s way more accountability with the apps.

 

[stinkynuts]

I only have two long haul PE journeys under my belt, planning my third, and after extensive bargain hunting, I’d say they’re more like %50-70 more than the same trip plan’s coach fare. And yeah, China Airlines (Taiwanese national carrier) transpacific PE is better than Air Canada and United business class North America. Even United First within the states paled in comparison on a recent flight and the aircraft wasn’t old or anything.
Back on topic, but speaking of foreign travel, it’s so reassuring using the ride hailing platforms places where you might not speak the language or have concerns about price transparency or personal safety. Nothing’s foolproof but there’s way more accountability with the apps.

Sorry, I meant that you can get a PE seat with some lesser known airline for about the price of an economy seat with some major airlines, if you search hard enough for bargains.

I used Grab in Thailand for rides, athough taxis and tuk tuks in Bangkok are also a good alternative as they are plentiful and pretty cheap.

Don't even bother thinking about renting a car in Thailand!

Another thing is that the roads are very jammed all the time and chaotic. Crossing the road seems like a game where you have to avoid being hit. They don't even have pedestrian crossing lights.

 

[storm rider]

All I can say is the taxi industry in Calgary has taken a beating with the downturn combined with ride sharing.I only take a cab to the casino if I am going to enjoy some drinks and I have gotten to know a few of the drivers quite well.Those guys
are not making half of what they used to make.The value of those little taxi plates has dropped as well.They used to be 100K on the secondary market 10 years ago and now can be had for 20K.

I usually opt for the same taxi company and I usually get the same driver.He is polite and we have good conversations and he lets me smoke as he smoke also.Always good service and I tip the guy decently.

SR

 

[hedgeman]

I can't remember the last time I took a cab and didn't have to listen to the driver chat loudly on their phone, or play their horrible music loud. Very rarely are they thankful for a tip, and they are not the friendliest to pedestrians at crosswalks. When I hear them complain about Uber and Lyft, the word Karma comes to mind.

truer words have never been spoken, karma is a bitch and they're finally getting a dose of it!

 

[blkhawk]

When we arrived, he didn't tell me how much. I asked about the meter and he said that it was a flat rate, so the meter wasn't on. I asked how much, and he said $25. I know this is a rip off. It's supposed to be $20.

Just to be fair, it is $24 if you go south of Williams

https://postmediavancouversun2.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/map1.jpg?quality=80

 

[rlock]

All I can say is the taxi industry in Calgary has taken a beating with the downturn combined with ride sharing.I only take a cab to the casino if I am going to enjoy some drinks and I have gotten to know a few of the drivers quite well.Those guys
are not making half of what they used to make.The value of those little taxi plates has dropped as well.They used to be 100K on the secondary market 10 years ago and now can be had for 20K.

Yeah, the "secondary market" has been a problem here too. Companies would hoard the taxi licenses, and trade them between each other like ticket scalpers. Yet it's not like the taxi drivers have been getting rich from all that artificial scarcity.