Black Top & Checker Cabs Ltd

  SK Khoo   --   Vancouver (British Columbia) (Canada)

posted: 2009-07-21 11:19:16

I had a horrible experience with Checkers Cab on the morning of the 21st July, 2009, in Vancouver, BC. I had called for a taxi from Yellow Cab (another cab company in Vancouver) for a pick-up at my home. My Yellow Cab taxi arrived promptly. There was a lady named Darlene waiting for her taxi to the airport and said she had been waiting for almost 30 minutes. Not wanting her to be late for her flight, I offered her my taxi, saying I would take hers, which came a few minutes later (just after the Yellow Cab driver had finished loading Darlene's luggage and they were about to pull out). Darlene's cab was from the Black Top & Checkers Cab company (car 91). I explained the situation to the Checkers Cab driver and he immediately began to verbally abuse me. I offered to take his taxi but his verbal tirade only continued. I calmly explained the situation again and asked him to settle down but he simply continued to verbally attack me and the lady. I asked for his name and informed him that I wished to lodge a complaint. The driver refused to give it to me and just drove off after a last few heated words.
 
I realise, of course, that the driver might be upset at losing a lucrative fare to the airport and having a cross-town fare of about a third of the value. However, I had very politely explained why I had given up my taxi to the lady (Darlene) and at no time did I insist that he, the Checkers Cab driver, had to take me. I could have very easily called another Yellow Cab (which I did after this very unpleasant encounter) but I asked if he would take me since he was already here. There was absolutely ZERO justification for the verbal abuse I received. I called Checkers Cab to lodge a complaint and spoke with the Operations Manager who was very accommodating and said that the driver would be dealt with. However, I unable to verify if any action was, indeed, taken.
 
This is not the first time I've had a bad experience with Checkers Cab, which is why Yellow Cab is my preferred company to call when I do need a taxi in Vancouver. I have never had to wait very long for a Yellow Cab and the drivers have all been excellent and friendly. Their service is top-notch and generally worth the 20-30% tip I leave in appreciation for their efficient and trouble-free rides.