Navigating the bustling streets of Australian cities can be challenging, and taxis have long been a trusted mode of transport for many.
However, as one Sydney couple recently discovered, not all taxi rides are created equal. Their experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who’s ever hopped into a cab without a second thought.
Scott Hamilton and his wife Sarah had just landed in Brisbane, eager to return to Sydney on a two-night cruise.
They needed a quick transfer from the airport to the cruise terminal in Pinkenba, so they flagged down a Black and White Cabs driver.
Having previously been overcharged by taxi drivers in Sydney, Scott was on high alert. His ‘hackles were up,’ and he decided to take matters into his own hands.
He secretly recorded the 11-kilometre journey on his phone in a move that would prove incredibly savvy.
The recording captured a scene that is every passenger’s nightmare. The taxi driver had obscured the meter, a clear red flag, and when it came time to pay, he attempted to hide the fare amount on the EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) machine.
The Hamiltons were charged a whopping $59 for the trip, a fare that was double the amount quoted on the Black and White Cab’s website.
Confronting the driver, Scott declared, ‘You’re not ripping me off. I’ve been videoing you the entire time.’
His video evidence showed that the meter had been running for 39 minutes despite them only being in the cab for 17 minutes.
Despite the driver’s ‘all sorts of excuses’, Scott stood his ground, offering $40 for the trip and rejecting the driver’s offer of a free ride. He also insisted he would take the matter to the police.
Greg Webb, managing director of Black and White Cabs, confirmed that the driver had admitted to deliberately overcharging the passenger. The company promised a refund for the Hamiltons and assured the driver they would face compliance measures.
In Queensland, as in many places, the Department of Transport and Main Roads regulates maximum fares, and drivers must activate the meter at the start of the journey.
Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, offered some valuable advice for those in a similar situation.
He suggested considering rideshare as a potentially safer and cheaper option, always questioning unexpected fare increases, and paying by credit card for added protection. It’s crucial to ensure the amount on the card terminal matches the meter and to always ask for a receipt.
If you are overcharged and unable to resolve the issue with the taxi company, you can complain to Fair Trading NSW or your local state equivalent.
The Australian Taxi Industry Association may also assist if the taxi is a member. Disputing the charge with your credit card company could be necessary as a last resort.
Have you ever been overcharged by a taxi? What steps did you take to resolve the issue? Share your stories and tips in the comments below to help your fellow Australians navigate the roads with confidence and caution.
Also read: How to spot and avoid ‘rogue’ taxi scams at major Australian events
I always supported cabs in the beginning because their license cost so much, but I have been “taken for a ride” too & I now use DiDi & it has been great.