From the PD - Out and About:

 

Q: Another rogue cab driver . . . When will the airport staff take into account the service for West Siders? I was treated like dirt, and he did not want to take us unless another far East Sider was sent with us when they found out I was only going to Parma Heights. - R.U.

 

A: Call the city of Cleve land's Division of Assessments and Licenses (216 664-2260), which regulates cabs, cab companies and cab drivers, or the Department of Port Control's Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Division (216 265-6000). The city is taking steps to fix the problem by narrowing down which drivers get to work the airport. Whether the reforms take place, it is still supposed to be a regulated industry. Note the driver's name, cab company, license-plate number, or any other identifying names or numbers on the car. If your problem happened recently, there should have been a city-appointed cab starter there to yell at the driver and note the infraction. The honest drivers complain that the city already has adequate rules and regulations and only needs to enforce them. Let us know if they don't.

 

 

 

I never had a proble mtaking people from the airport to places like Parma or Berea.

The way I saw it, it would let me get back to airport sooner. Plus, the customers were always greatful to have a driver who would not complain about the short ride.

I once had a fare to IX Jet Center from the airport. He was so surprised by my positive attitude, he gave me $35.

 

You are a rare breed, Musky. Almost every time I've tried to get a cab from Hopkins to Parma, I either hear a bitch fest the whole way, get lied to about the meter being broken, or they refuse to take me.  And the cab companies have the audacity to complain that the city wants to standardize service. Improve the product and the city wouldn't have to take this measure.

From the PD - Out and About:

 

Q: Another rogue cab driver . . . When will the airport staff take into account the service for West Siders? I was treated like dirt, and he did not want to take us unless another far East Sider was sent with us when they found out I was only going to Parma Heights. - R.U.

 

A: Call the city of Cleve land's Division of Assessments and Licenses (216 664-2260), which regulates cabs, cab companies and cab drivers, or the Department of Port Control's Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Division (216 265-6000). The city is taking steps to fix the problem by narrowing down which drivers get to work the airport. Whether the reforms take place, it is still supposed to be a regulated industry. Note the driver's name, cab company, license-plate number, or any other identifying names or numbers on the car. If your problem happened recently, there should have been a city-appointed cab starter there to yell at the driver and note the infraction. The honest drivers complain that the city already has adequate rules and regulations and only needs to enforce them. Let us know if they don't.

 

 

i think this is a means to improving the product, but think about it, how many people complain about cab service.  Thats part of the problem!  People always think someone else will do it or their comments are going in a blackhole somewhere.

 

However, I don't have to worry about a cab from the airport.  The train gets me home just fine!  No broken meters, no complaints!  HA!

 

 

I never had a proble mtaking people from the airport to places like Parma or Berea.

The way I saw it, it would let me get back to airport sooner. Plus, the customers were always greatful to have a driver who would not complain about the short ride.

I once had a fare to IX Jet Center from the airport. He was so surprised by my positive attitude, he gave me $35.

 

You are a rare breed, Musky. Almost every time I've tried to get a cab from Hopkins to Parma, I either hear a bitch fest the whole way, get lied to about the meter being broken, or they refuse to take me.  And the cab companies have the audacity to complain that the city wants to standardize service. Improve the product and the city wouldn't have to take this measure.

I always get cab drivers bitching when I go to NYC and am only going to Brooklyn.  I always tell them where I am going before I get in the cab, and if I detect some attitude, I politely ask them if they'd like me to go back to the airport/city worker that directed me to his cab and ask for another cab, since it seems like he doesn't want to go there.  They quickly shut up and change their tune since they are essentially forbidden from refusing to take you where you want to go. 

 

Aren't there city workers directing the cab queue at CLE?  If so, part of their job is to ensure the cabs in queue are operating legally and ethically, and are licensed.  Report it to the city worker right then and there and demand another cab the minute you a get negative attitude about a destination.

Before the "one fare to manhattan rule" you should have heard drivers when I would say, "125 street", since that ride is shorter than brooklyn.

 

I've never taken a taxi to the airport, but I don't think there is a dispatcher.  I think what Smith is trying to do is establish that.

This is the only way I get to scoop the PD sometimes....

_________________

 

October 30, 2006

City of Cleveland – Office of the Council

601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 216

Cleveland, Ohio  44114

 

For more information contact:

Cleveland City Council

Katherine Bulava Samsa, Media and Public Relations

216-857-7362

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

          Councilman Kevin J. Kelley, Chair of Cleveland City Council’s Aviation and Transportation Committee, will introduce legislation to require a Passengers’ Bill of Rights to be displayed in all taxicabs operating in Cleveland at the Council meeting on Monday, October 30, 2006 at 7 pm.

 

          “The Taxicab Passengers’ Bill of Rights will clarify for the passenger what should be expected from a driver and will protect passengers from unfair treatment,” said Councilman Kelley.  “It also protects the driver by clearly stating what the driver is and is not responsible for.”

 

          Among points included in the Bill of Rights are the guarantee of a safe ride to any location in the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area, a direct route, an effective complaints process, a free ride if the meter has not been activated, and a reduction in tip in services are not properly provided as well as a quality taxicab and a professional driver.  The legislation being introduced states that a $100 penalty will be accessed for each failure to display the Bill of Rights.

 

          This ordinance also establishes a flat insurance policy requirement for all taxi-cabs, lowers the rate for the first one-sixth mile or fraction of it to $2.25, decreases the charge for each succeeding one eighth mile or fraction of it to $.25, sets the waiting or traffic delay rate at $18.00 per hour and sets the charge for carrying more than four passengers at $1.00 for each additional person.

 

###

He's talking in terms of rail's share of landside access to a particular airport. Here's the 2003 rankings for U.S. airports, based on rail's market share of landside access (I don't have more recent data)...

 

First, the direct rail access airports:

 

Washington National - 16%

Atlanta - 7.9%

Chicago Midway - 7.7%

Chicago OHare - 4.2%

St. Louis - 3.3%

Cleveland - 2.8%

Baltimore - 2.6%

Philadelphia - 2.0%

 

Next, airports having rail links via shuttle bus:

 

NY-Kennedy - 7.9%

Boston - 5.7%

Oakland - 4.1%

Miami - 1.2%

Los Angeles - 0.5%

 

Granted, this list was compiled before several airport stations/services were opened (Burbank Calif., San Francisco, Portland, Newark, etc).

 

 

you are assuming that kjp. however, what he actually said was, "arriving by transit." that means all forms of public transit (including rail) and i doubt that puts national at the top. again i'd say newark or jfk.

 

 

Cleveland considers bill of rights for taxi riders

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Susan Vinella

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Taxi passengers in Cleveland should be able to ride in clean cabs with drivers who speak English and know their way around the region, City Council's transportation committee chairman says.

 

Councilman Kevin Kelley this week introduced a new law to create a passenger bill of rights for riders. It outlines standards of operation and behavior for taxi drivers.

 

 

[email protected], 216-999-5010

 

© 2006 The Plain Dealer

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1162374378275390.xml&coll=2

Is Ace taxi REALLY the best company for the job?

 

As a taxi rider from the airport I have to wonder, do I want to be forced to take an Ace cab?

Why wouldn't the airport recommend one of the bigger taxi companies in Cleveland? Wouldn't the odds in achieving their goals be better served by a company with more experience, and financial backing.

Bids were also submitted by Yellow Cab (100 taxi's on the road) and Americab(80 taxis on the road). Ace has @65 taxis on the road, has only been in business since 1997.

I fail to understand why they opened the bidding to out of towners.

If a company has more cabs now at their disposal they would also have more drivers to start with available for airport work.

If this recommendation is followed by City Council and Ace gets the contract we will all be FORCED to take a cab from the airport from them. No other companies will be able to pick up at the airport.

Did anyone look at reputations, customer service? Yahoo and Yellow Pages websites have places where people make comments on services in the Cleveland area businesses. They were NOT kind to Ace.

Wonder what happens if the company they choose can't carry out their promises?

I don't know the answer but I'm sure it will cost the airport and city more money. Ultimately our tax money.

 

"Ace Taxi of Cleveland should manage cab service at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport because it promises new cabs for passengers and millions of dollars for the airport, Hopkins chief Ricky Smith says."

 

Millions, really? Looks like $1.3. When I hear millions I think of more than $1.3. Also see below how this will not work out.

 

 

"Ace's bid to become the exclusive taxi management company at Hopkins includes a fleet of 2006 vans and Crown Victoria sedans and a guarantee of at least $1.3 million for the airport each year."

 

Ace doesn't HAVE these yet, nor would anyone bidding. The contract info said they were to be white cars with the Cleveland Hopkins logo. No edge there.

 

 

 

"He said Ace plans to recruit the most experienced drivers from all seven cab companies working at Hopkins. He said two other companies bid: Yellow Cab and Americab."

 

Anyone could plan that. But can they pull it off? Maybe a larger company wouldn't NEED to recruit people. They have more to choose from from the start.

 

 

"A committee of managers at the airport recommended Ace, in part, because it uses global positioning technology to help drivers find their way around."

 

So they have GPS in the cars they use right now. They DON'T have it in the cars they will have to purchase. Same as everyone else!

 

 

 

"Ace is the only bidder certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Smith said.

 

The federal government requires that 40 percent of the revenue-generating contracts at U.S. airports be awarded to companies certified as disadvantaged businesses, Smith said.

 

Disadvantaged businesses are owned by, or employ, minorities or other disadvantaged workers.

 

Is this the OTHER part of the reason for choosing Ace?

I think it's odd that the original press release from Cleveland Hopkins airport (http://www.clevelandairport.com/Portals/Documents/CLE%20Taxi%20cab%20service.pdf)

on Sept 1,2006 includes statements from one of the owners of Ace. Nothing from any other company.

 

 

Under the proposed contract, Ace would:

 

* Guarantee the airport $1.3 million or $2.50 per trip annually, whichever is greater. Smith said cabs make about 500 trips a week from Hopkins.

 

I fail to see how this would be possible.

Do the math.

 

52 weeks a year x 500 trips per week= $26,000 trips

26,000 trips x $2.50 per trip= $65,000

Where does the rest of the $1.3 million for the airport come from?

Keep in mind the cost of purchasing 75 new Crown Vics with GPS and the other costs of doing business.

 

 

* Equip its cabs with global positioning systems to help cabbies reach their destinations.

 

* Make interpreters available for drivers and passengers Smith said passengers would pay a 50-cent per-trip surcharge under the proposal."

 

And the others bidding can't do this?

 

Why was Ace chosen? I don't see any real concrete reasons here. I don't see what they have that others don't.

City Counsel hasn't yet approved the recommendation. Maybe there's still hope for a better choice.

If we want to help make Cleveland look better to out of town people passing through our airport maybe we should make sure we have the right people for the job. People with more experience running a cab company.

 

All above quotes are from the Plain Dealer article from October 21,2006

 

 

 

Ok.  I don't know anything about this, so I have the following questions:  Why does it have to be only one company serving the airport?  Why do taxi services have to go out for bid?  Why can't any licensed cab company in Cleveland/Cuyahoga county provide service at the airport?  What about some competition? 

OK, I'll bite. Why wouldn't they be able to do this? The company is almost 10 years old. That seems old enough for me. Increased business? I don't think it's hard to buy cars these days. If they need more cars/drivers, they'll get them.

 

Problem solved. Better yet, take the Rapid.

Better yet, take the Rapid.

 

...and we have a winner!  If you don't need another connection or can do an easy connection, the Rapid is much easier to deal with.

 

As much as I take the rapid, I should have a Platinum Elite Bus Pass.

^^ Problem unsolved. The Rapid dosen't go to Parma, Westlake, Mentor, Euclid, Strongsville or Akron.

 

As for the competition issue. Cab companies compete right now, and honestly, Hopkins service is terrible, might be the worst for a mid-sized airport. Shaking things up from the status quo, isn't such a terrible thing in the case, even if it foresakes competition.

I wasn't saying the Rapid solved the problem. I meant the stuff that came before that sentence.

 

Anywho, I am not concerned by this. In NYC, the government regulates taxis heavily. I think it's better to give one company a monopoly over the airport rather than create a whole new bureaucracy to waste tax money.

I think it's better to give one company a monopoly over the airport rather than create a whole new bureaucracy to waste tax money.

 

I agree..but i think there should be someone on the, on deck circle, in the event that the first provider cannot fulfill their obligations.

I missed something here. Why is only one cab company being allowed to make pickups at the airport? I seem to recall something about competition being considered a good thing in this country.

I don't think people know about the rapid link to the airport. Inside the airport you see the signs for RTA, but that doesn't really say anything. If there were signs like "Train to Downtown and University Circle," I bet you'd see a lot less people taking cabs

 

There used to be a recorded announcement every so many minutes that said there was the RTA Red Line to downtown and where in the airport to catch it.  The last time I was at the airport, the announcement was gone.  I don't know when it stopped, though, as I don't fly very often. 

 

 

I missed something here. Why is only one cab company being allowed to make pickups at the airport? I seem to recall something about competition being considered a good thing in this country.

 

I asked this too, at the bottom of page 2 in this thread.  It makes no sense to me either. 

If you look back at page 1, you will see a post by Musky quoting an article from Sept 25,2006 where Ricky Smith,director of port control said the plan was to contract to one company. And on Oct 21st a post from Musky quoting the Plain Dealer article announcing that Ricky Smith recommends Ace taxi to City Council for the bid. Also in my last post I put a link to a press release from the Cleveland Hopkins Airport announcing their plan to open bids for one taxi company to services the airport. It's part of their plan to give Cleveland a better look to out of towners passing through the airport into Cleveland.

 

Why wouldn't they be able to do this?

Look at the numbers I posted, and their promise in the bid.

$1.3 million a year OR $2.50 charge per trip to the airport whichever is greater.

 

52 weeks a year x 500 trips per week= $26,000 trips

26,000 trips x $2.50 per trip= $65,000

Looks like the $1.3 is greater here.

Where does the rest of the $1.3 million for the airport come from?

 

How long could a company stay in business this way? The numbers don't add up.

 

Yes they can buy cars and find drivers just like any other company.

Which begs the question, why were they chosen? I don't see anything in their bid that every other company can't do EXCEPT promise $1.3 million a year. Which others obviously couldn't promise because it's not there!

 

I thought the whole point of all this was to name one company to handle the airport because the competition was creating chaos down there for travelers.

 

And as far as "competition" goes - you don't have 5 construction companies building a road at the same time. They bid them out and pick "the best one." Are they the best? Who knows.

How does having one cab company serving the airport give "a better look" to out-of-towners? What does that even mean? And I don't see how having multiple cab companies serving the airport creates chaos. If I'm an out-of-towner, I'd want to see some cabbies hustling for my business. It's always great to be welcomed in a strange town. Your comparison to road construction contracts is a very selective one. Are we going to offer bids to choose one airline to serve Hopkins? Or have just one food-service provider throughout the entire airport? Or have only one hotel brand allowed within five miles of the terminal.

 

C'mon people. Give me a GOOD explanation for this.

How does having one cab company serving the airport give "a better look" to out-of-towners? What does that even mean? And I don't see how having multiple cab companies serving the airport creates chaos. If I'm an out-of-towner, I'd want to see some cabbies hustling for my business. It's always great to be welcomed in a strange town. Your comparison to road construction contracts is a very selective one. Are we going to offer bids to choose one airline to serve Hopkins? Or have just one food-service provider throughout the entire airport? Or have only one hotel brand allowed within five miles of the terminal.

 

C'mon people. Give me a GOOD explanation for this.

 

KJP....I love you to death.  You raise a valid point....the person you might want to inquire with is Rick Smith or Candance (in communications) or maybe the council's transportation committee?  Work your magic, man.

 

 

And as far as "competition" goes - you don't have 5 construction companies building a road at the same time. They bid them out and pick "the best one." Are they the best? Who knows.

 

have you ever driven on I-71 Before? I've seen multiple contractors within a single county.

I think that there will only be ONE cab company at the airport, that part is already a done deal.

The only thing that isn't final is if the City Council agrees with Ricky Smith to make the contract go to Ace,

 

I'm just saying what they might argue. I'm sorry to say, I couldn't care less about these taxis. But if you read the original articles, they are arguing that there are a million taxi companies down there and there is no oversight and they are providing crappy service.

 

I've never taken a cab in Cleveland, so I have no idea what it's like. Maybe this is just a way to make more money. I suppose if they wanted to improve service, they'd just come up with enforceable regulations rather than awarding a "Hopkins" contract.

 

I guess it's the perfect storm because most people are like have more important things to worry about. Doesn't make me right, just preoccupied.

There used to be a recorded announcement every so many minutes that said there was the RTA Red Line to downtown and where in the airport to catch it.  The last time I was at the airport, the announcement was gone.  I don't know when it stopped, though, as I don't fly very often. 

 

these stopped after 9/11 when the security announcements took over.  there is some discussion that they might reappear under the new airport administration. 

 

How does having one cab company serving the airport give "a better look" to out-of-towners? What does that even mean? And I don't see how having multiple cab companies serving the airport creates chaos. If I'm an out-of-towner, I'd want to see some cabbies hustling for my business.

 

the problem is that currently they aren't "hustling" for the business.  now, the city could enforce the existing cab laws, but it still doesn't change the attitude of the driver who gets the small fare to Parma after waiting for 2 hours. 

 

the big reason ace seems to be preferred is b/c of the GPS equipment.  Every cab company COULD put these units in, but ace included the new equipment as part of its bid, thus differentiating the service from the other competitors.

Yes they have GPS, in the cars they have. BUT they will be buying 75 new white Crown Vics cabs for the airport contract and will have to put GPS in them the same as anyone else would have to.

Having them in the cabs they already have doesn't seem like an advantage and has no relation to the cars that are required for the contract. No body has 75 white Crown Vics sitting around with GPS in them ready to go.

 

The only thing they have others don't is the disadvantaged business part.

Just makes you wonder if they got it because they were the best company for the job.

 

Especially since they were the only ones mentioned from the start in the press release.

 

I've been out of town for a week and I just finished reading 95% of the post this week.

As far as the taxi/airport issue, here is my take.

 

Having been one of the drivers who would occasionally sit st the airport for two to three hours waiting for that golden ride, I can tell you the taxi stand has been a problem in the making ever since they got rid of the starters (and for quite some time before). Not only was there drivers refusing to take visitors to the nearby hotels like those on Bagley (where there is no transit) they would refuse to take home residents that lived in Brookpark, Berea, Parma, Fairview, etc. This would cause arguments by drivers of competing companies as well as those from the same ones. There many heated arguments.

 

(Note: After 9/11 you would rarely find Yellow or Ace at the airport except for known special events: holidays, conventions, major sporting events, etc., when there would be lots of out-of-towners coming in or families coming home from visiting relatives. Another good time to be at the airport was when college students came to town for the start of classes. The best time to go was when there was a snow storm. The "foreign" and old timers did not like driving in the snow and there would be lines of people waiting for anyone to take them home. I would make so much money on those days.)

 

The influx of drivers from places other then the United States added to the problems, particularly the Somalians that came from Columbus to start there own company. They did not know how to get around the city. All of of this was quite an embarrassment for, not only the few drivers whop cared, but for the industry and the city as a whole.

 

What else: piles of trash in the taxi waiting area; restroom vandalism (the airport finally gave the drivers a port-a-potty and closed the restroom they had access to); disregard for new safety regulations; double/triple parking during busy times - the list goes on.

 

These are some of the reasons why Smith needs to take charge and offer the reforms proposed. There will not be a monopoly because each of the cab companies can bid on the package (as was previously stated).

 

Although I do not drive anymore, I welcome the changes and hope council passes the changes as quickly as possible

I thought the whole point of all this was to name one company to handle the airport because the competition was creating chaos down there for travelers.

 

And as far as "competition" goes - you don't have 5 construction companies building a road at the same time. They bid them out and pick "the best one." Are they the best? Who knows.

 

 

I've utilized the cabs at the airport a few times in recent years.  Most recently in April.  I never experienced any chaos. 

 

So does this mean that I can't call up Yellow Cab from my house and have them take me to the airport?

 

Also, your example about road contractors is, in my opinion, and apples and oranges comparison. 

 

Also, I haven't had any bad experiences-- yet-- with cab service there.  No one has (yet) shown any "attitude" or refused me because I'm only going to Berea. 

 

But, I'm just now reading Musky's post.  Since Musky was a driver, I guess he would know more than the rest of us....

 

 

Musky's experiences were echoed in the newspaper articles, and that's why I don't mind this. I really don't think the integrity of capitalism among cabbies at the airport is that important. But, hey, I could be wrong.

Here's my question now:  if Ace gets the airport contract, can I only utilize Ace if I want to be picked up at my house and go to the airport?  Or do I only use Ace when I'm going home?

^You can use any company you want for drop and/or pick up.

Find a driver you trust, get their card, and use him/her.

You will always have better luck if you give the driver a few days notice and let them know when you will need to be picked up from the airport.

When you need picked after your trip, I suggest you ask the driver to pick you up from the upper level (the departure level) and at a predetermined place. This way you will not get any hassles from other drivers, the starter, or police.

 

Next :speech:

So who does everyone think is the best cab company?

If you have to chose only ONE for the airport who should it be?

So who does everyone think is the best cab company?

If you have to chose only ONE for the airport who should it be?

 

The Red Line!

Well it seems there may still be hope that the taxi monopoly at the airport might not happen!

At any rate it will not be happening by Thanksgiving.

On channel 3 news last night they showed reporters who were at the City Council meeting. They showed interviews with cab drivers and owners.

Seems that right now the City Council agreed not to make a decision yet. Ace wasn't approved to get the contract, nor was anyone else.

Pooh do you work for a taxi company?

Here is my most recent taxi tale. Last night we were going to an event downtown that happened to have unlimited coctails. we called a cab 2 hours before hand for pick up (545 PM). He was nearly 20 minutes late -even though we were trying to guide him in via the dispatcher. He showed up in a car with only room for 3 when we told dispatch we had 4. He started the meter then literally took 5 minutes clearing out the front seat for the 4th person The fare was $5 but of course he did not have change for a $10 so he got a 100% tip. were no skates, would have given him $3. It just irks me that they define the tip. I forgot to mention this in my original rant that other than obscure Caribbean nations Cleveland is the only place where cabbies never have change or the  credit card machine is always broken.

 

Now the return trip. Before we entered the cab we established that he has change as we only had a 20 (we had used all our smaller bills that night for tips). He was actually a little rude about it so we started to walk away and he called us back. when we entered the cab we were hit like a freight train with an odor I initially identified as dirty underwear. But one more exploratory whiff for air helped me identify it as full out ASS. Thank goodness for the first time I was glad downtown was a little dead so we sailed pretty quickly toward home with our lips slightly parted the way you do when you are trying to filter in air through your mouth rather than nose. This time I remembered the companies. the first was United and second was Yellow. The arse smell had jumped on me and remained on me as I tried to drift off to sleep. pretty bad

You were had.

Get a regular driver.

 

 

this is terrible but I have never even had one good enough yet to say: "say, you didnt try to rip me off, take me from the flats to Asiatown via 480, , and you wear clean underwear...can we do this again.." Actually, thankfully I do not use cabs that often, so I am surviving. Plus, how would I get stories for this thread? This is a good idea though. When and If we ever get a good driver I will get a card.

this is terrible but I have never even had one good enough yet to say: "say, you didnt try to rip me off, take me from the flats to Asiatown via 480, , and you wear clean underwear...can we do this again.." Actually, thankfully I do not use cabs that often, so I am surviving. Plus, how would I get stories for this thread? This is a good idea though. When and If we ever get a good driver I will get a card.

 

From the Hopkins Airport Thread - but more appropriate here:

 

speaking of cab co's and recent difficulty in procurring a cab in ohio city on a friday nite!  what do you believe is the best way to consistently get cabs for short runs (in and around downtown entertainment hubs)? should one get to know a particular cabby and promise him/her nice tips for short runs OR are some companies generally more willing to make shorter runs?

 

Guv,

 

Try to get a regular cabbie. Even if they cannot get you due to being in the other part of town, they will call a fellow driver to get you.

Here are some good drivers (I think they are still working):

 

Gary - 216.410.5678

Jim - 216.390.5610

Mark - 216.973.8462

PJ - 216.533.6603

Like I said, if they cannot get to you, they will find somebody who will.

 

 

 

 

 

Hope it helps.

thanks Musky- I will hold on to these.

maybe if people use them enough they can give an UO discount or atleast give "status" to folks how say they heard about their (the folks musky lists') service via UO.

heck I dont even want a discount and am an above average tipper for long distance and much above average for shorter. I just don't want nether region stink jumping on me and am exausted about rip off attempts (no change, "$2 downtown fee" )  on nearly every ride.

heck I dont even want a discount and am an above average tipper for long distance and much above average for shorter. I just don't want nether region stink jumping on me and am exausted about rip off attempts (no change, "$2 downtown fee" )  on nearly every ride.

 

Question?  Have you reported this driver?

no, and I know I should, esp the time they tried to charge a "downtown fee".  How I respond as a customer is to avoid this service whenever possible. stink and the "I have no change" issue is harder to argue.As I may have mentioned the circumstances surrounding my ride often to do not lend themselves to follow up (jet lag coming home, catching a plane, late to a party, tired and buzzed and very happy to be out of stink fest). I suppose this is the case with many riders. I honestly wonder if the complaints will help. I would use cabs more if it were not so bad. My biggest concern is how out of towners perceive us. When I travel by cab in other cities, a poor experience only occurs in less than 25% of rides. here I am at about 100%. Interestingly one of the better experiences I had was using a prearranged shuttle service to/from the airport (it was only us in the car. I wish I remembered the name ) . I had forgotten about it b/c it was so long ago. Since I live near the red line now, I don't take cabs as often, unless the flight is really early or late. Like  most of us I am looking for options not for the airport but for destinations around town.

no, and I know I should, esp the time they tried to charge a "downtown fee".  How I respond as a customer is to avoid this service whenever possible. stink and the "I have no change" issue is harder to argue.As I may have mentioned the circumstances surrounding my ride often to do not lend themselves to follow up (jet lag coming home, catching a plane, late to a party, tired and buzzed and very happy to be out of stink fest). I suppose this is the case with many riders. I honestly wonder if the complaints will help. I would use cabs more if it were not so bad. My biggest concern is how out of towners perceive us. When I travel by cab in other cities, a poor experience only occurs in less than 25% of rides. here I am at about 100%. Interestingly one of the better experiences I had was using a prearranged shuttle service to/from the airport (it was only us in the car. I wish I remembered the name ) . I had forgotten about it b/c it was so long ago. Since I live near the red line now, I don't take cabs as often, unless the flight is really early or late. Like  most of us I am looking for options not for the airport but for destinations around town.

 

I understand, but if we don't comment, nothing happens and we all suffer, residents and tourist alike. 

 

You folks in the 30 block radius of downtown have the most to gain by improved cab services.

heck I dont even want a discount and am an above average tipper for long distance and much above average for shorter. I just don't want nether region stink jumping on me and am exausted about rip off attempts (no change, "$2 downtown fee" )  on nearly every ride.

 

Question?  Have you reported this driver?

 

You should absolutely report it.

More so now, since the city is trying to clean up the taxi cab image.

Of course it will be diffifcult if you do not have the cab number, driver name, or any other identifiable information. Still, just knowing th cab company will help.

^ the "downtown fee" thing I believe was almost a year ago. I know, I know I should have reported it. If I recall correctly that was the trip  where the door kept jamming and the driver kept yelling at my husband from the front seat. he ended up slamming his finger in the door, and blood gushed all the way  home...had to beg the guy to offer a paper towel to mop the blood up and press the wound.  I promise from this moment forward I will document better (although my last adventures are more subjective with regard to my beefs. "ass" is probably just an opinion). in the meantime we are trying even harder to schedule flights at times were taking the bus to the rapid is feasible.

Since the rapid runs until 1 a.m., I assume that your limitation is the direct (but non-late night) circulator bus connection to the Ohio City station. But if you catch the 326 bus over to Tower City, that should make things a lot easier for you. Have you looked at that as an option?

During day time hours (generally daylight or not too late) I  take the bus to TC or OC...Which ever bus (326, 22)I see coming first I cross over to catch. During reasonable hours this is cool. But for example I recently had a 6am flight and am not going to stand out on w.25th and Detroit at 345 AM!  Same goes for any return trips late at night. I don't find it wise to walk down the street in the middle of the night with things like lap tops and luggage since I live in a higher crime area.  So it is not the bus issue that stops me but sadly the community issues.

That's a bummer. I could never trust a cab driver to show up on time to get me to the airport. Thus, I've never taken a cab to/from the airport. I've always taken the bus to the rapid from the Gold Coast, driven to one of the nearby rapid stations, or just driven all the way to the airport (did that once when I had to pick up someone in Berea for a 6:30 a.m. flight).