Reminder about some dishonest Taxi drivers

[momofnickelman]

On our last trip to Houston we ran into a dishonest Taxi driver who tried to charge us more than he was supposed to. There are certain prices for traveling to and from zones. There is a map of the area and the different zones in the cab posted on the window. They are not supposed to charge you more than the zone amount or the metered amount (which ever is less). For instance Residence Inn is in zone 5 and we were going to Bush International Airport which should have been $50 but the meter said $58 so he told my husband $58. My husband reminded him about the zones and then the driver said it was because we have more people (By the way in the cab it had a sticker/sign that said no charge for extra people). He told him he was paying the zone amount and the driver didn't argue. Of course since we were not new comer to traveling to Houston (sugery #6)we knew all this. I just want to make sure that everyone going to Houston knows this so they don't get taken advantage of.

[AmyBrowne]

Yes, I do know what you are talking about. When I went to Philadelphia in Oct. with my daughter, the taxi driver charged me $40 from the airport to the hotel. Then when I came back in December with my husband, we were charged only $23. It was to the same location both times! I didn't realize I was charged too much until the second cab ride. Live and learn.
AmyB
Daughter, Scarlett, 7 months old, LOBPI

[brandonsmom]

I believe that the zones are even posted in the taxi cabs. Another thing that I found out was that the Town Car's sometimes do the "ZONE" thing and are as cheap as the TAXI's and much more comfortable. They don't sem to drive so bad either. I arranged for my town car before getting to the airport and before leaving the hotel. It was great. They seem to be much more sypathetic to the medical situtaion that brings us to town.

[Mom2Michael]

Brandonsmom, would you be willing to share which service you used? I am actually in the middle of trying to determine whether to use a taxi or a town car. I have gotten some quotes from some of the services, but right now, it's just a "pick with my eyes closed" as to which might be a good one to use. I know that there are good drivers and bad ones - even for a "good" service, but that would be a place to start!

Thanks

Sally

P.S. And a big thanks to Momofnickelman for pointing out to be careful. I tend to be trusting (and naive, I guess!) and would probably have paid the $58.

[brandonsmom]

You know that it has been a while and I cannot think this morning. If you go to injurednewborn.com, she has the name of the service on there. And the phone number. I cannot think today, nor will I even try. My brain is still on holiday overload. I amso want to add to be careful especially if you are traveling alone. They will definately try to make a buck of a mom with a child.....as I have experience with !!!!
gayle

[momofnickelman]

We have used the Towne Car service when we didn't bring our older children and it was very nice. If you have 5 people or more you won't fit into a Towne Car unless you rent a limo which bumps the price up quite a bit. With a Taxi you can request a van which holds more people for the same price. You can do a google search for Houston transportation and find all sorts of companies.

[admin]

This is honestly no different than the hotel situation. Good services, bad services, good drivers, bad drivers. Every day is different.

I found some town car drivers to be just as fast driving and scary as the taxi drivers. Same person, nicer clothes, different car, hehe. I had one town car driver mess up the rate. It should have been half price to go from Hobby than from International but he charged me the same rate and then got really mad at me when I questioned it and since I was alone with my child I felt compelled to pay the higher price because I was worried for my safety.

If you go to the taxi booth at the airport, the list is on the booth wall there. You can request a non-smoking taxi and you can also request a credit card taxi and a van taxi. So there's flexibility there. And when the next taxi which might be yours pulls up in line ask him about the rate BEFORE you even get in and then you don't have to even ask again afterward or deal with it. The rates are on the booth and also inside the taxis.

If you get a town car, verify your pick up the day beforehand (each way) and also ask exactly where he is going to be. Some of the town car drivers don't come in to meet you with a sign and some do. Also, get his cell phone number so that you can contact him directly if he doesn't show up when you have to leave. That happens, too.

Oh well what can ya do right? At least the ride's not too long.

[ellie]

We were just in Houston in November and the same thing happened. We asked the fare before we got into the taxi and he told us 30.00 from the Medical Center to Hobbi Airport. When we got into the car my husband checked the rates and the fare should have been 26.00. So because he lied we gave him 26.00 and he did not say a thing. He lost out on his tip. If he would have been honest we would have given him 30.00. Oh well.

[BIGJAVSMA]

Yes- watch out. get your own street map if you have to. When we went to Miami for JAvier's surgery the taxi driver drove litterally in a circle to run the meter up. by the way- we called his supervisor and our ride to the hospital the next day was free.