Personally, I've used this cab service once a few weeks ago when was traveling from Brooklyn to Queens. It was a reasonable price of $35. The driver I had (I wish I remembered his name or car number) was new but was very kind and a good conversationalist for that nearly one hour ride. I gave him $50 and called it square. He is the only reason I am giving a rating of two stars.
However, last night, I called the company to arrange a pick up for my girlfriend in the same area of Brooklyn and a drop off to me in Queens. I also wanted to verify if it was going to be around the same rate I was given last time. Dispatch said that it was $37 which was all right with me. I had plans to give $50 like last time because I understand the ride is fairly long even with good traffic.
After I made the call to arrange the pick up and got the text message that the driver was at the location, I got on the phone with my girlfriend to let her know the description of the vehicle when she got downstairs. While still on the phone, I hear my girlfriend telling the driver the numbers as he's punching in the address to my place on a GPS. After it was complete, I hear him say "$50". As soon as I heard that, I told my girlfriend to put the driver on the phone with me. After I explained to him that dispatch told me that the fare was $37, he proceeded to tell me his gripes about dispatch, the base, and how unfair they were to drivers.
The hour was getting late and I was in no mood to argue with the driver so I told him that $50 was fine but that was all he was going to get. I'm sorry, but I simply cannot afford to pay more than that.
Another experience I'd like to add is not mine, but my girlfriend's and a mutual friend.
They both live in the same area have used the same cab company to go from the area of Flatbush to the Fort Hamilton Army base. One time the fare was $12. Another time was $25.
What's with the inconsistency? Was that also another similar situation like mine?
Drivers: if you got a beef with the way the base calls the rates, then bring it to their attention instead of not honoring what rate dispatch originally said and calling out whatever you feel is justifiable. It just makes you look like a greedy douchebag. If there no progress for change after voicing your concerns, find employment with Uber, Lyft, or even a metered cab. Those prices are set and can't be disputed.
Sad to say, I will not be using this company again nor will I ever recommend them. Even if it is a bit more expensive, I believe I will be returning to using the services of Uber or Lyft. The rates, at least there, are set to some sort of standard. read more