Hey, listen, check your town car or cab driver ID, don't get ripped off

[localdriver]

There is a constant flow of illegimate operators attempting to make a few bucks at MCO.

If you use a Town Car or Cab, request to see their "City of Orlando" "Drivers Permit", "don't be bashful, ask for it". It MUST be displayed on their person or vehicle and includes a Picture ID. Write down their name and permit # for safe keeping. This in itself will remind them that "you" know how it all works. IT IS YOUR RIGHT. If the driver is offended, TOO BAD!!

If they refuse to show, or don't have one, refuse to ride.

DO NOT ride with any Town Car or CAB Driver, regardless of the Company they claim to represent who cannot show or refuses to show their picture ID & Permit # from the City of Orlando, regardless of price.

And lastly, ALL commercial pickups are on the first (lowest) level. Only personal/relative/family/friend pick-ups are allowed on the second (baggage claim level at OIA) BEWARE of IMPOSTERS. DO NOT BOARD A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ON THE SECOND LEVEL AT MCO. THEY ARE IN VIOLATION. Protect yourself from RIP-OFFs.

DO NOT be in such a hurry that you get RIPPED OFF!!

For complaints regarding Orlando transportation companies, contact "City Of Orlando Vehicles For Hire", Phone 407-246-2845, Fax 407-246-3725, email cwells@ci.orlando.fl.us

 

[kirbsam]

What is up with this post??? How do you get ripped off???

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Orlando has several taxi companies, some reputable, some are more of a fly-by night operation. Some of them will even stoop so low as to name their company with a name very similar to a legitimate company (for example, Checker Cab is a reputable company, but I've seen Check-in Cab, Check-her Cab, and Checkers Cab ... all of which, to someone who wasn't paying close attention, could be mistaken for Checker Cab)

 

[dudspizza]

There have been indications that there could be limo drivers who make you think they are your limo driver and take you to your destination. In essence, they are taking you away from whoever you reserved with. They then get the fare and run. They are imposters.

The post is basically saying make sure your driver is who they say they are. Reserve with a reputable company and make sure the driver actually works for them when you get picked up.

Duds

 

[localdriver]

What is up with this post??? How do you get ripped off???

LOL by not doing what I just posted. Do as you wish, it is your money.

BTW, I Drive neither CAB or TOWN CAR, or LIMO, my interest is to our guests to Orlando not get ripped off by fly by nite companies who promise the moon and deliver nothing and steal their money.

Licenses/permits are required here, make sure the company/driver you choose is so licensed/or permitted.

That's all, just ask. If you get that "DEER in the headlight look" you might want to follow up.

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Thank you for the reminder localdriver. I think some people just get so caught up in everything else that it is something that can be easily overlooked. I remember several from these boards that have either have a very close call or have been ripped off by the scams you mentioned.

 

[goofy4tink]

I do remember that on our trip in August, we were approached by a man in a black suit (just like the limo drivers) who asked us if we were in need of transport. No I said and he replied that he could take us for probably less than we were going to pay! Yep, sure...we're going to get in a car with someone we know nothing about. As the saying goes..I was born at night, but not last night!!! We just walked away and our driver found us. But, we did see the other man approaching someone else!!

 

[kirbsam]

LOL by not doing what I just posted. Do as you wish, it is your money.

Nice.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

What is up with this post??? How do you get ripped off???

Dishonest cab drivers who don't have their fare meter accurately calibrated? Price gouging? Drivers who will intentionally take you the longest possible way to get to your destination?

 

[inkkognito]

We have been approached by gypsy drivers many times over the years at MCO, but I know the drill and know how to find the correct driver and make sure it's the correct company. But I did actually take an "illegal" ride once; normally we use Happy Limo, but I had made arrangements with a friend for a late-night ride. Wouldn't you know it, they got mixed up and didn't show. It was after midnight, and we were going to just take a cab because we couldn't reach our friend by phone. By coincidence, there was a Mears towncar driver whose party didn't show. I know he was Mears as he had proper ID. He saw us wandering around and figured out that we were looking for a ride. Since I prefer towncars to taxis, we struck a deal and went with him. But I would NEVER do that unless I was very confident that I knew the company and if I didn't have a better option.
Barb