Pros 
Cons A Storm of Complaints: Meter Malfunctions and Missed Bookings
Bendigo Taxis currently holds a concerning rating of 2.8 stars, and the online feedback paints a troubling picture for potential passengers. The most prevalent accusations revolve around alleged fraudulent practices concerning their meters. Numerous reviewers claim the meters run at speeds exceeding legal limits, resulting in inflated fares. This isn't a mere handful of isolated incidents; a recurring theme is that the charged amount drastically deviates from what one would calculate using the published Bendigo taxi tariff.
"This company cheats people by running the meter at a speed more than the legal limits. They charge 20-25 cents more per kilometres. The amount they charge doesn't match with the tariff displayed if calculated manually. A fraud company it is." - A Disgruntled Customer
Specific examples shared by users further illustrate this concern:
- One reviewer recounted a 3km ride costing $31, an exorbitant fee.
- Another cited a 5km journey racking up a $22 bill.
- Many believe Bendigo Taxis are operating with "dodgy meters."
Beyond fare discrepancies, a significant number of customers express frustration with booking reliability. Missed pickups are a common complaint, with several instances detailing canceled maxi taxi bookings, particularly for airport transfers. This isn't simply a one-off error; the system seems consistently unreliable:
- Airport Anomaly: One passenger booked a maxi taxi days prior to their appointment and it simply didn't arrive. Attempts to resolve the issue with dispatch proved futile.
- Priority Queue Paradox: Another customer was told that booking confirmation didn’t guarantee a ride and was then placed in a 'priority queue’ with no clear indication of wait time, resulting in an hour-long delay on a hot day.
- Sydney to Bendigo Nightmare: A booking for a maxi taxi from Sydney was allegedly cancelled without explanation, with a customer being abruptly hung up on after multiple calls.
The implementation of a new system is reportedly exacerbating these problems, hindering tracking capabilities and leaving customers stranded, particularly those with accessibility needs: "Since they have changed their system nothing works properly, I used to be able to track when my taxi would arrive...I now have to wait outside in the rain."
The Bike & Maxi Taxi Dilemma: Restrictions and Inconsistencies
Adding to the negative feedback are complaints regarding limitations on what can be transported within Bendigo Taxis’ maxi vehicles. A specific and unusual grievance relates to the refusal to accommodate bicycles, even though it has allegedly been done in the past and is not a standard policy elsewhere in Victoria.
"Good luck if your bike breaks down and you need help with getting to the nearest bike store... 'oh no, we don't allow bikes on maxi taxis because 'safety' reasons' (even though they've done it in the past, and this isn't an issue anywhere else in Victoria)..."
This policy, despite being justified by management as a ‘safety’ concern, is perceived by some as arbitrary and restrictive, especially for cyclists needing urgent assistance. The lack of consistency – having previously allowed bikes and subsequently changing the rule – further fuels customer dissatisfaction. This issue highlights a potential disconnect between Bendigo Taxis’ operational guidelines and the practical needs of their clientele.
App Issues and Payment Problems: A Technological Frustration
The transition to a new app system appears to have introduced further issues for Bendigo Taxis customers. Beyond the loss of tracking functionality, there are concerns about how payments are processed.
- Premature Charging: Some users have reported that money is deducted from their accounts before the ride concludes, a significant departure from the app's stated policy of post-trip payment. This creates a sense of distrust and powerlessness.
- Unreachable Support: The inability to contact customer service to address these payment discrepancies adds to the frustration. The system feels designed to "ransom" customers, leaving them at the mercy of potentially inflated fares and unreliable billing.
- Erratic ETAs: One reviewer vividly described the app displaying consistently inaccurate estimated times of arrival (ETAs), with the indicator remaining at "3 mins" for over an hour.
- Accessibility Challenges: For deaf customers, the difficulties of communicating with dispatch due to system changes and the lack of readily available support add an additional layer of complexity and stress.
A Beacon of Honesty: Ashley's Unexpected Kindness
Amidst the sea of negative reviews, a remarkable account of exceptional honesty and service offers a contrasting narrative within the Bendigo Taxis experience. One customer’s story of driver Ashley stands out as a noteworthy exception.
After dropping a customer off at the train station, Ashley learned the passenger had left their phone at home. When the customer later realised they had also lost their house and car keys, Ashley, on his day off and in his personal vehicle, returned them to the customer's home.
"I want to commend Ashley on his honesty, and for going out of his way on his day off to return my keys. What a wonderful man!" - A Grateful Customer
This anecdote serves as a powerful reminder that despite broader systemic issues within Bendigo Taxis, individual employees can demonstrate extraordinary integrity and dedication. It highlights how exceptional service, rooted in genuine care for customers, can emerge even within an organisation facing significant challenges. It’s a story of hope amidst a chorus of complaints, and a testament to the power of individual actions in fostering positive experiences.