I will no longer be taking Barrie Taxi. It seems as though theft is considered OK by the drivers.
On Sunday, April 30th at 3:00 the taxi driver (who claimed to be) "Derrick" driving taxi #3049 committed a crime. Unfortunately my phone was dead, so I was unable to call the police to report this.
Me and two friends got into the cab around 3:00am. My friend Matt wanted to be dropped off at the Best Western hotel from The Ranch, and I was going to be dropped off on Hickling afterwards. Matt said he would pitch $20 for the ride. "Derrick" demanded that this $20 bill be given to him right away or he would not drive us. Matt made it clear that the $20 was for the trip to his hotel, and the rest would be used to help pay for my way to Hickling. "Derrick" refused to start the meter, and never turned it on. After getting to the Best Western "Derrick" demanded I give him more money. I explained that Matt gave him $20 already, and that the ride to the Best Western was $10 at the most. "Derrick" said the $20 was only to go to the Best Western, and refused to use any of it for my ride. He then said he would start the meter from the Best Western, which was 10 minutes in the opposite direction, driven from downtown, from where I was going. I knew he was simply trying to get as much money as he could, as this would cost me almost twice the amount from that of downtown (where we originally got in the cab). After driving towards downtown again "Derrick" demanded I give him cash before we head in my direction. I told him to put the meter on, and that I only had debit. He refused to use the meter, and said he only took cash. He demanded that payment be made before we go, or he would not drive me. After telling him that I would pay when we got there, he stopped the cab and demanded I get out. Unfortunately my phone was dead, or I would have called the police. "Derrick" dropped me off further than where I originally started, and therefore not only stole some of Matt's money, but also wasted my time. This sort of behavior is disgusting, and is the exact reason why people take Uber instead of taxis. There seems to be no proper taxi driver training. It seems as though it is the wild wild west where they can do and demand anything they please. They do not seem to be held accountable for their actions.
I urge everyone to stay away from Barrie taxi. Know that taxi drivers are supposed to use the meter, take debit, and allow you to pay after you get to your destination. They are not supposed to demand cash upfront, charge you double, and kick you out of the cab when you simply ask for the proper taxi logistics. read more