Rude cab-drivers

[CPT Tripss]

Driving passengers from the airport the six companies listed on the airport site, Maybe five because Quick Cab just recently received authorization to pick up as a demand cab and may not listed on the site, a driver cannot pick up at Disney unless he has a pre-arranged reservation. Many times I have seen drivers pick up a ride at the airport at 1200 and have a reservation for a return at 1400 from Disney. However, a driver cannot take a passenger out to WDW and than sit on a stand to carry a ride back to the airport. In fact a driver cannot sit on any Disney stand unless it is empty of Mears cabs and that doesn't happen often.

Didn't mean to get on you so strong, but sometimes posters try to work me into a corner and the poster may be a local who doesn't like what I am writing. In other words another driver.

As my post says - NJ the Philly End . . . youse shudda been able to tell I ain't no WDW local.

 

[eliza61]

I'm sorry, this made me giggle. I'm a NYC gal. rude cab drivers are expected. If I got a nice one I'd probably dial 911

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

As Edd has said, the only company that is authorized to solicit for business at Disney is Mears. (Unless there are no Mears cabs around, or there is a pre-existing reservation).

The only Mears cab that can pick up at Disney is Checker Cab. (A yellow vehicle, with black checkers)

The Mears cab varient that will take you from the Airport to Disney is Yellow Cab. (Ironically, an orange vehicle) Yellow Cab should not be picking up at Disney.

You can identify a Mears cab by three things... A Mears front licence plate, a Mears logo by the front wheel well, and the driver will have a Mears ID badge.

Mears cabs are also typically kept in good condition... recently washed, and presentable. Many of the independant cabs are noticeably in need of a wash, and who knows what else.

That's one thing I'd be concerned about by getting into an independant cab. Although there are many decent, hard working cabbies out there just trying to make an honest living, there are many out there taking every shortcut they can. (vehicle in need of repair, lack of proper permits/insurance, improperly functioning meter, etc)

 

[Edd]

Tyler,

Yellow cab can pick up at Disney if the passengers were set up for pick up prior to be dropped off. That is considered a pre-existing reservation. The other five companies working out of the airport can also pick up passengers they took to Disney from the airports or the railway station if they set up a reservation with that passenger. City cabs also can pick up if they set the passenger up for return to the city.

 

[james15]

Most taxi drivers don't know the difference between a debit and a credit card so they probably accept them as well. Usually drivers will just write the cc up and submit it for approval later. Some will call for clearance on the phone, but there is a $75.00 floor limit or guarantee on the credit card if the driver doesn't want to call it in right than. Most will use the call in to try to convince you it will take extra time to get the cc approved hoping you won't want to wait and come up with cash.

Disney authorizes Mears cabs on all their taxi stands. Like they are the official taxi of WDW. Other companies hang around the area, paying individuals on the bell stand to call them when the doorman gets a decent ride. This is forbidden by Disney, but it still happens. If a Disney employee puts you in a cab other than Mears you can dispute that with the emnployees supervisor. Also Mears cabs are required to use the meters. If you think a Driver is going to give you a flat rate that is less than what the meter will run, you must be kidding yourself. Also if the meter is not running the driver has no way to collect a fare by calling the sheriffs department. With Mears you have plenty of ways to dispute the payment or the ride. Anyone else can tell you to go jump as they are not regulated like the Mears cabs.

All Mears drivers are required by Mears to have a credit card machine. Do not accept that excuse from a Mears driver.

Trust me,make sure your in a Mears cab.

 

[james15]

I'm sorry, but I did not understand this answer. So, I have to ask my question again - Are you saying that the only legit taxis in the WDW area are Mears? That every other taxi is a gypsie (illegal) taxi?

There the only taxi company allowed to wait at taxi stands on property.If you ride with another company. You can make arrangements for them to come back and pick you up.I can tell you from first hand experince. There are to many gypsy companys running around ,with un-insured vechiles and drivers who are unable to get taxi permits.I'm not saying Mears is the only legit company in the area,because there not! However,they are the only one allowed to pick up without advance reservations.

 

[CPT Tripss]

There the only taxi company allowed to wait at taxi stands on property.If you ride with another company. You can make arrangements for them to come back and pick you up.I can tell you from first hand experince. there are gypsy companys running around ,with un-insured vechiles and drivers who are unable to get taxi permits.I'm not saying Mears is the only legit company in the area,because there not! However,they are the only one allowed to pick up without advance reservations.

thank you

 

[james15]

This is a good subject.Disney has made this arrangement with mears ,to look out for the welfare of there guest.Now, i have spent 20 plus years in the taxi industry has an owner.Some of the things i saw durning my time in Orlando amazed me.1) OVER CHARGING! ONE EXAMPLE a young mother was charged $40 from ttc to the wilderness lodge.2) TIP MANAGEMENT how this works is you need a cab and have someone else call for you.Well the gypsy companys have deals worked with bar tenders,front desk ,bell hops etc.The driver slips a envolpe to the caller, and most of the time charges that amount back to the guest.3) POOR UPKEEP BALD TIRES ,BROKEN AC cracked windshields etc.4)OFF SITE COMPANYS LEAVING OFF SITE RESORT GUEST STRANDED.this is more of a shuttle service issue,Having spent time in bus info at ttc ,it amazed me how badly alot of the offsite shuttle services treated guest.I have called for guest who had been waiting for hours past the posted pickup time. And told we dont have a driver available,we can't find the driver,and my personal favorite you'll see us when you see us.I had 2 ,15 year old girls that where told the wrong pick up time by the resort, and missed the shuttle.The hotel and shuttle service awnser was it's not are problem.A disney bus manager ended up taking them back to there hotel.From my personal experinces,mears always did there best to service on-site and off-site resort guest.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Like with anything, you always hear more about the bad then the good, but all these posts just reinforce my desire to always have a rental car.