Serious SoCal Taxi Complaint

[twelvesixteen]

I usually go shopping at The Block At Orange every time I go to Disneyland but I am beyond fed up with the taxi service. The first time I went there in 2007 I thought it was just a mistake that our taxi driver forgot to turn off at the exit, costing us an extra $6-7 that trip. The same thing happened in 2008. Then 2010. They were all very apologetic about it, but I'm starting to think it's some kind of tourist scam and I'm getting so fed up.

I would love to hear if any of you have had the same complaint. This year I am not going to the Block because my favorite American store is also right next to Universal so I will just go there when I go to Universal.

 

[jlmarr]

I usually go shopping at The Block At Orange every time I go to Disneyland but I am beyond fed up with the taxi service. The first time I went there in 2007 I thought it was just a mistake that our taxi driver forgot to turn off at the exit, costing us an extra $6-7 that trip. The same thing happened in 2008. Then 2010. They were all very apologetic about it, but I'm starting to think it's some kind of tourist scam and I'm getting so fed up.

I would love to hear if any of you have had the same complaint. This year I am not going to the Block because my favorite American store is also right next to Universal so I will just go there when I go to Universal.

Did you get the name of the cab company or cabbie?

 

[twelvesixteen]

Did you get the name of the cab company or cabbie?

It was a different cab company each time, that is why it is so frustrating. The ride back is always fine, and usually costs at least $8-10 less. Guess the cabbies just see leaving from Disneyland = ripping $$$ off tourists.

 

[jlmarr]

Two options:

• Negotiate a fixed price up front, i.e. the 'good' price you've observed for the return trip. (What was that?)
• Have them take streets instead of the freeway. South on Harbor Blvd, east on Chapman to State College Blvd. Should be a little over 3 miles.

Here's an interesting web page:

http://www.kevincoffee.com/taxi_scams.htm

"The key to successful bargaining is to ask the fare before getting in. "

"For meter rate fares, you always only owe for the shortest distance to your destination, unless you specify a longer but timelier or more scenic route."

I didn't know that last one. I can't say for sure if it applies everywhere - would be interesting to find out.

 

[twelvesixteen]

Two options:

• Negotiate a fixed price up front, i.e. the 'good' price you've observed for the return trip. (What was that?)
• Have them take streets instead of the freeway. South on Harbor Blvd, east on Chapman to State College Blvd. Should be a little over 3 miles.

Here's an interesting web page:

http://www.kevincoffee.com/taxi_scams.htm

"The key to successful bargaining is to ask the fare before getting in. "

"For meter rate fares, you always only owe for the shortest distance to your destination, unless you specify a longer but timelier or more scenic route."

I didn't know that last one. I can't say for sure if it applies everywhere - would be interesting to find out.

jlmarr, thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate, and I'm sure my mother will as well!

Wow, 3 miles hey...? We take long convoluted freeway/highway combinations (definitely the "scenic route"), but on the way back it's always side streets and we are back to Disneyland Hotel within about 7 minutes. It's at least 20 on the way there, and the last time with the "incompetent" (ie. money-grabbing) lady we had who re-routed TWICE I was actually scared I would land myself tied up in some hole in the ground. Stupid, I know, but I was beyond frustrated.

The "good price" for the way back was never any more than $14. The way there, the first time was $22, second time was $20, and the third time was a ridiculous $27.

If I literally said, "Have them take streets instead of the freeway. South on Harbor Blvd, east on Chapman to State College Blvd." and they re-routed, would I be able to file a complaint or demand a lower price?

 

[carebee21]

One of the ART shuttles (I believe route 15, but don't quote me on that) goes to The Block At Orange. The passes are $4 for an all day pass, so that may be an alternative.

Also, in Vegas, cabbies must display their license name, number and a phone number of the company they're working for and a number to contact in case of a dispute or to report a problem. I assume that California has some sort of similar law to ensure the tourists don't get ripped off.

 

[jlmarr]

If I literally said, "Have them take streets instead of the freeway. South on Harbor Blvd, east on Chapman to State College Blvd." and they re-routed, would I be able to file a complaint or demand a lower price?

You'd have to haggle for sure. All their ID should be available if you needed to file a complaint. The PP's suggestion about ART #15 going to the Block is a good one - I knew that but completely zoned out, focusing on the taxi issue.