When we ride a Taxi, we basically trust the Taxi provider & driver. Sometimes people take this trust taken for granted and misuse the same.
Being an Industry Insider, for months I have been thinking about spilling this beans out for the safety of our guests. These are few points which all of us should take care when we ride a taxi particularly outstation.
Driver Replaced
Have you witnessed a scenario where the actual driver who comes to pick-you up is different than nominated by the company? This should immediately raise an alarm. The company has legally vetted original driver whereas replacement driver may be a rookie temporary driver. Many people don’t know that a Taxi Badge is required (issued by RTO after through examination) to drive a Taxi.
Always check for Driver’s License!
Else you will be at your own risk including risk of being driven by un-licensed driver and no claims by insurance companions in case of any mishap.
Odometer Scam
Driver re-sets Trip-meter B to zero and starts the journey. At the destination he shows you Trip-meter A and asks you to make the payment as per distance travelled.
Did you notice something? Trip-Meter A and Trip-meter B, Read Again.
Most of the drivers, before arriving at your home, set Trip-meter A to 0, resulting in extra 20-30 KMs reading. In overall scheme of things you will not question 25 KMs extra if you are travelling 250+ KM. That’s easily 10% of your fare
Always check if driver is showing Trip-meter A or B.
Spare wheel Missing
Imagine yourself stranded on highway with punctured tyre. Next thing which comes to your mind is, ok. Get wheel tyre replaced with spare one. When was the last time you checked spare wheel of the Taxi? Hope you get the message.
Many drivers in the interest of time leave punctured tyre un-repaired or tyre is in such a bad-shape that it will not last even 10-20 KMs without getting punctured. It is one the most ignored fact by the guests.
Always check the spare tyre is of road-worthy condition.
Let me stop here else I will be hit by bricks by drivers 🙂
If we fail in our duties, lets us know. Your feedback is our strength.
Vivek Kejriwal (@onewaycab)
CEO, https://oneway.cab
Original Article Published at Linkedin – OneWayCab
asha chaudhry
vivek,
this is so interesting – coming from someone who runs a taxi venture!!
kudos!
Alok Rodinhood Kejriwal
The Spare wheel HIT me once :((
We were returning from the Art of Living Ashram on the way to the Airport in Bangalore and BOOM – the Car had a puncture AND NO SPARE WHEEL :(((
Thanks for this