Taxis in Calgary

[Zarley]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

But go and try and get a cab in Toronto. Half the time they will pretend they are booked after you jump in and tell them where you are going if they don't like the fare, and literally 50% of the time I take a cab there I get into a fight with the cabbie on whether he accepts anything but cash (I'm usually on business so need to pay with my Corporate card).

Calgary is a walk in the park compared to the crap in Toronto.

I'm in Toronto fairly often and I have to say that I run into those very issues more often here in Calgary unfortunately.

Especially the cash only thing - I now tell the guy I'll pay with cash before getting and insist on using a card once I'm at my destination. Also, if you get a cabbie refusing to take you somewhere it's good to snap a picture of his licence card thing on your phone and then threaten to complain to the taxi commission (it's against the bylaw to refuse a fare).

I honestly think the terrible service here in Calgary is a problem that the free market could easily solve. The City should eliminate the cap on licences and setup a central dispatch system to level the playing field for independent cabs and smaller operators.

[Calgary14]

The fact that there is no rapid transit to the airport, there is a cap on the number of taxi licenses, there is an overall shortage of cabs within the city (especially at peak times), the city seems to be against competition like Uber and one company has the exclusive rights to the airport seems fishy.

It could all just be a matter of circumstances but it seems like someone is being paid off to keep the situation as it stands (a monopoly)

[Bigtime]

Originally Posted by cam_wmh

I've heard the Calgary Airport Authority, is also staunchly against the LRT development, due to their monopoly on the parking there.

Which is pretty ridiculous, it's not like nobody will drive to the airport and park once the LRT goes up there. Proximity to an LRT station would still be a big issue for most traveling with more people. I'd maybe try it once with the family, but would much rather stick with Park2Go and have a car warmed up and ready on our arrival back in Calgary in the winter.

I'd also think a big benefit of the LRT to the airport would be for employees that work there. It would definitely help take cars off the road in the area.

[Flames89]

Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle

Calgary is a walk in the park compared to the crap in Toronto.

That is ridiculous. Getting a cab here is always easy, aside from 2am after bars let out and you are downtown as well.
The intro of smart phone apps has also meant I haven't had to talk to a taxi dispatch in about 3 years.

The "I only take cash" argument is just a certain drivers trying to get cash. If you force the issue, they will take out their machine. I have found that lately there is less push back as every car now has electronic machines.

[Slanter]

Well, this thread just saved my butt. Had to book a cab to the airport this morning. Based on this thread, I booked it 15 minutes earlier than I thought I needed. F'er showed up 25 minutes late. Got to the gate just before boarding.

Last city I lived in was Winnipeg. Cab service was very good there... always at my house 5 minutes early.

[calgarywinning]

Originally Posted by Flames89

That is ridiculous. Getting a cab here is always easy, aside from 2am after bars let out and you are downtown as well.
The intro of smart phone apps has also meant I haven't had to talk to a taxi dispatch in about 3 years.

The "I only take cash" argument is just a certain drivers trying to get cash. If you force the issue, they will take out their machine. I have found that lately there is less push back as every car now has electronic machines.

I like your reality. It's so bent.