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[zorro1]

onethailand, on 2008-01-24 16:47:36, said:

They cannot refuse a fare - if they do so you can report them to the Transport Department.

Having said that, there needs to be a procedure for when they are switching shifts. And obviously a a driver politely refuses then I don't make a fuss - but more often than not drivers seem to just wave you off, or drive off without an answer - just take out your note pad and write down their license plate number.

And do what?

[richard_smith237]

This happens to me frequently. Often at the busy time of day (6-7pm) if I want to go into an area where the traffic is likely to be busy. Its irritating at the best of times and infuriating when the driver doesn’t even say no, or sorry, he just dismisses me with a lazy wave of his hand and drives off. And this often happens 2-3 times in 10 mins before I can get a taxi that agrees to go to my destination. The problem is, by the time I’ve waited 10-20 mins for a cab at times like this, I’m hot and sweaty…

However, I can’t say I blame the taxi driver for refusing me a journey that’s going to take him into or through the middle of gridlock or in the opposite direction if he is looking for his last fare before knocking off.

For this reason I have a car for the daytime. But for evenings when I’m drinking I need a cab. I’ve become so used to just grabbing a cab when I want one in the evenings and usually going home is not a problem. Going out at 7pm is – I think we can book taxis but I’ve never done this.

Has anyone any experience of booking metered taxi’s over the phone? And how easy is it? i.e. I imagine some difficulty getting my correct address across.

[onethailand]

zorro1, on 2008-05-27 23:45:15, said:

onethailand, on 2008-01-24 16:47:36, said:

They cannot refuse a fare - if they do so you can report them to the Transport Department.

Having said that, there needs to be a procedure for when they are switching shifts. And obviously a a driver politely refuses then I don't make a fuss - but more often than not drivers seem to just wave you off, or drive off without an answer - just take out your note pad and write down their license plate number.

And do what?

To report a complaint about a taxi driver, please contact the Department of Transport on 02 689 1144 and 02 277 5460.  I believe there is, or used to be, a 4 digit number you could call as well.

Sometimes, however, the taxi driver is looking in his rear view mirror - and on more than one occasion the taxi came to a screeching halt and agreed to take me to my destination.

[bulmercke]

lopburi3, on 2008-01-24 15:15:29, said:

The times I have been asked to find another taxi in the last ten years I can count on one hand.  Almost all are willing to make long or short runs.  But this is flag down rather than asking those sitting in tourist spots. Almost anyplace have a taxi in five minutes or less so not need to make an issue if they do not want to take you - normally it is due to a shift change.  

Something new to me today was an itemized receipt being provided in a new yellow/green taxi.  Taxi plate number/start time/stop time/distance/total time/change on a small cash register receipt.  This could be very valuable if tourists learn to pocket them and find out later they forgot something in the taxi.

That's right.....but even those taxis cruising through tourist spots are reluctant to use their meters a lot of the time - even if they're not statonary.

They are meter taxis - but they will - to your face - refuse to use their meters. They don't care - and the police don't care either.

The same treatment is dealt out to Thais equally.

[guava]

It happens everywhere in Asia. I'll probably get abused for this, but if I'm desperate (late, peak hour, raining, all cabs playing the same game, New Years Eve, or whatever) I'll sometimes barter with them if they won't turn the meter on. Several times I've got home cheaper than the metered rate - funny when they realise that themselves, but tough luck, deals a deal, and don't hold your breath for a tip funny man.

I generally find cabbies to be 'salt of the earth' good people, good humoured (despite a crappy job), keen for a chat if you want it, otherwise content to keep to themselves. Even if I get a bad one I never go out of my way to antagonise them - something as simple as slamming a door or mouthing off could get you into a world of hurt. They have the numbers, they have the radios, by default they will not be on your side! Spending up to 20 hours a day in BKK traffic can make a man snap.

Taxis and tuk tuk drivers who cruise Silom, hang around the Oriental, Peninsular, Kho San etc - well they're another breed altogether.

If you want to report a driver, you go ahead - personally I don't think it's worth the time, but who knows? I would probably do it if one tried to screw me from the airport, especially having paid an extra 50THB not to be screwed.

[Jack Jones]

Have been refused before as I have been in my own country. No biggie, just find one that will take you.

I generally like the cabbies in Bkk, had a few who try it on and don't turn on the meter and the ones who try to grab you and get a flat fare for the ride. All part of the experience.

One in particular made me smile. his radiator went as we were driving down to Patts so he pulled over on to the side of the road and legged it across 4 lanes of traffic to a building site where he appered with a water bucket bigger than him. I then watched him move this in stages back across the four lanes of traffic in order to cool the taxi down. He apologised, I was smiling, the builder was a bucket down as he just ditched it on the side of the road and we were off again. Only in Thailand...

[DragonQuest]

They have every right to refuse dont argue with them and take the next taxi lazy joe. (Driving around all day 10+ hours sitting on your butt you would refuse too sometimes!) I feel sorry for some of them, they have breathing problems and some cant stop shaking and tremble like crazy ; ;

P.S The main reason they would probably refuse is because they have to return the Taxi at a certain time, so If its not on the way he wont budge.

Edited by DragonQuest, 2008-05-30 19:53:26.

[onethailand]

Taxi shift change is usually mid-afternoon and early morning - yet cabbies refuse fares at all hours.  Don't let this be used as an excuse to refuse you in the evening... and no, they do NOT have the right to refuse, if there is a shift change they should indicate that by covering their meter or turning it on.

[girlx]

I had 8 taxis in a row refuse to take me the other day. Sometimes there is no "next one".

p.s. I was going from Pra Athit Rd. to Ratchaprarop. Not even that far.

Edited by girlx, 2008-05-31 13:47:32.