Minicab Services

Local Services
#14

Guys, can we stick to the OP’s question. By all means discuss this but there is already an Uber topic. Thanks.

1 Like
#15

Oh, where is that? Besides, if the thread already has been skewed then bringing some balance seems appropriate.

#16

The Uber debate thread is in the “General Politics” category.

For those who are new to the forum:

#17

That is very interesting and I guess makes sense for those who want to make it political and have the stomach for the poor quality debate in the political categories. What about those who see it as a story about regulations?

1 Like
#18

The OP asked for a local cab company not.debate on User. Let’s bring it back on track please.

#19

For options for airports there were some good recommendations on a topic last year.

For those not in politicos, there was a two way discussion in February called Black Taxis vs Uber which at that time focused largely on the carbon emissions of the two sides and burnt out quickly. It was reprised recently focussing less on the conflict between black taxis and uber and more on the roll of the Mayor in the matter and political/economic outcomes for London.

1 Like
#20

London Cars based in Sydenham notify drivers of the fare in advance The fare is then displayed for driver and passenger to see on whatever machine the drivers are using now.

5 Likes
#21

And yes, use a licenced minicab company. I heard there are “cowboys” out there, avoid them. If they dont have a proper operator licence, it is very unlikely they will have proper rules where the proper pricing system is in place.

#22

Very noble of you, but that’s the job of the moderators. I asked upthread that the thread not be hijacked. At that point, one post had been made on either side of the debate. I thought that was a balanced place to ask for the thread to return to the original question. I’m disappointed this hasn’t happened.

1 Like
#25

We always use forest hill cars & have done for years, hope you are not now going to say that ha ha!
If I’m going on a longer journey that’s not familiar I always ask the controller beforehand how much it will be. Don’t know if that is any help as you may have done that before as well, but at least it gives you something to tell the driver when you reach your destination & they can then argue it with the controller.

1 Like
#28

With the controller backing up the driver and the customer out of pocket in my experience…

#29

At one stage Forest Hill Cars were very tough on drivers who tried to overcharge; the co-owner of FHC would make the driver refund to the passenger the amount overcharged and drive to the passenger to do so if the complaint was made after the passenger had left the car. An announcement would then go out to all drivers that anyone caught overcharging would have to leave.
Don’t know whether this is still the case.

#30

We always got a price from FHC before a journey and were never charged more. Last one was about a month ago.

#31

+1 for Forest Hill Cars. Have used them for many years and have never been charged different to what was quoted.

#32

I do wish individual minicab services had online/app booking systems. Or at least confirmed bookings by text or email. I used a service near my past home which capably did all of this.

#33

Forest Hill Cars now has an app booking system.

1 Like
#34

FHC seem to be trying hard to win custom and they have been improving their use of tech with automated services based on caller ID and they text you after you are dropped off. Cars are clean now and the drivers seem to be on time (early if anything!) and on the ball. A few years back I think the service was poor and the telephone op was quite rude.
Data Cars - out of Lee Road used to be excellent for airport pickups/drop off - smartly dressed drivers and nice clean cars but haven’t used them in a while.

I once used FHC to get to Gatwick and we were really late (OH mistook 14:00 and 4PM!!) so we told the driver not to spare the horses. Slowest ride ever with the driver slowing down at green lights in case they changed!

In general cab services are much improved - 30 years ago I had some very interesting cab rides but perhaps not suited to this thread…

#35

I used FHC for an airport run on Sunday, fixed fare no issue. I’ve used them for many years and always been happy with the service.

#36

Shame they don’t mention it on their website. This is a case where I’d prefer web-based booking as I don’t like to clog up my phone with apps I’d only use in a blue moon.

#37

Have you used them for an airport pick up? I’ve had issues with local firms failing to come into the airport to pick up their fare.