At first, I enjoyed using the Black Car Service for transportation around Manchester. Unfortunately, I have had a few money-related issues with this company and this third one was the final straw.
The first incident was over the summer in August. I needed a ride to the local bus station here in Manchester. I had a lot of luggage and could not walk with it from my apartment. When the driver dropped me off, he charged the usual $12 flat fee. I only had a $20 and he conveniently did not have change on him. I had no time to go to an ATM. I had to over pay him by $8. Now, $8 may not seem like a lot to some people, but to a college student working multiple part time jobs, that could have been put to better use.
Second incident was on Black Friday. I was called into work earlier than scheduled for an emergency. I asked the dispatcher if my driver could take a card, and he said yes. I get to my destination in a timely manner, but as the driver was swiping my card, he then decided to inform me that there would be an additional $1 service fee for his card reader hooked up to his phone. Yes, only $1, but still a tad irritating.
Today, February 10, 2016, I needed a ride to my doctor's office over in Bedford. I set up my pick-up/drop-off/return the previous night. I asked if they drove over to Bedford, and he said "yes", without explaining any possible additional fees. I had $30 in all $5's on me. I was talking to my driver and mentioned these instances. He became upset that those drivers charged me extra. Apparently the first driver was known to not have change and the second was unrightfully charging me extra without the company's knowledge. When we arrived to the doctor's office, I asked if the fee was $12. The driver thought about it for a moment, and said "yes". I gave him 3 $5 bills, $15 total and he gave me $3 in change. Then, after my appointment, I waited about 20 minutes past the original pick up time for my driver. I completely understand that school had let out so there was an increase in traffic. The driver was able to return me to my apartment in a timely manner, but hit me with a $20 fee. I explained that the previous driver only charged me $12. Obviously not convinced, and hinting that I was lying, called his dispatcher. The dispatcher confirmed the $20 AND said that I had paid the previous driver $20 with a $10 and two $5. NOW PLEASE EXPLAIN WHO IS LYING HERE? How can I possibly pay with a $10 when I only had $5 bills? I explained to my current driver that I could only pay at most $18. He took my money with an attitude and drove off. I called the dispatcher, Cory, whom I have spoken to many times before and pretty sure he knows who I am since I would use them so often, in hopes he would understand my frustration. Nope. He stuck to his original story of me paying the full $20 in a $10 and two $5's and said that driving to Bedford cost $20. Needless to say, I was just a tad on the angry side to have had my money stolen for a third time.
*Any additional fees or change in fare due to location of destination SHOULD HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED WHILE SETTING UP MY TRIP OVER THE PHONE. NOT and I repeat NOT dropped on me at drop-off.
*In all, this company owes me $15.
Last time I use this company. read more
