Pros 
Cons A Mixed Bag of Experiences: The Broome Taxis Powered by Oiii Landscape
Broome Taxis Powered by Oiii, operating out of 270 Port Dr, Broome WA 6725, Australia, presents a complex picture in customer reviews. While some patrons recount positive interactions, many others describe frustrating and concerning experiences. The company’s current rating of 2.800000 reflects a clear inconsistency in service delivery – a tale of highs and dreaded lows. The central theme emerging from the feedback is unreliability, exacerbated by instances of unprofessional conduct that have left customers feeling anxious, deceived, and even threatened. It's a service that seems to be significantly pressured by peak season demand, contributing to the issues reported. Don’t forget to call them on +61 8 9192 5252 if you're feeling brave!
The Good, the Bad, and the Saiit: Driver Spotlight and Problematic Patterns
There's undeniable praise for certain drivers, particularly Matthew, who is consistently described as "wonderful," "reliable," and "hardworking." One reviewer specifically highlighted a positive experience with a driver named "Saiit" (spelling uncertain), praising his friendliness and efficient service. This suggests that the quality of the service is heavily reliant on the individual driver. However, these positive encounters are often overshadowed by recurring complaints centred around three key areas:
- Excessive Wait Times: The most pervasive issue. Multiple customers report being repeatedly given misleading estimations of waiting times. Promises of "half an hour or under" routinely extend to 30 minutes or more, with no communication from the company. The blatant lack of accountability in explaining these delays is a recurring source of frustration.
- Lack of Communication & Abandoned Bookings: The sheer number of accounts describing being left waiting with no explanation, or having bookings seemingly cancelled without notification, is alarming. One reviewer endured a two-hour wait after being repeatedly assured a driver was "on the way," followed by the call being abruptly disconnected when questioning the delay. This indicates a systemic problem with call management and driver allocation.
- Price Gouging & Unethical Practices: Concerns raised around inflated fares, with one customer’s 7-minute trip costing a surprising $40.00, and resistance to accommodate other passengers heading in the same direction. The impulse to pocket the additional fare instead of assisting others paints a picture of prioritizing profit over customer service.
"Prepare to always be left waiting more than a reasonable amount of time for a taxi with these guys. Everytime I ask if there will be much of a wait, am told shouldn't be too long. Then it's 30 minutes MINIMUM. Everytime!"
Disturbing Incidents and Safety Concerns: Beyond Simple Inconvenience
Beyond the frustrations of delays and pricing discrepancies, several reviews detail deeply concerning behavior from drivers, raising serious safety concerns. The most egregious account describes a driver becoming aggressive and threatening toward a tourist family who requested a brief detour to retrieve a forgotten phone. This included swearing, demands for immediate payment ("pay up or get out"), and ultimately inducing a sense of fear and vulnerability.
Another reviewer stated feeling anxiety-inducing wandering around at a late hour in a foreign town, particularly given their pregnant state, after a two-hour wait and zero communication. These stories highlight a potential lack of driver screening and oversight, creating a situation where passengers feel unsafe and exploited. It's crucial to emphasise that these incidents represent a significant departure from acceptable professional conduct and warrant immediate investigation. Furthermore, the link between Broome Taxis Powered by Oiii and Chinatown Taxis (described as “owned by the same mob”) raises questions about the consistency of standards across both services.
| Issue | Example Description | Impact on Customer |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Aggression | Driver swearing and demanding payment before completing a ride. | Fear, Anxiety, Feeling Threatened |
| No Show/Abandonment | Driver leaving without notification after pre-booked transfer. | Disruption, Stress, Delay |
| Misleading Information | Providing false waiting time estimates. | Frustration, Disappointment |
| Price Gouging | Charging significantly inflated fares for short trips. | Financial Loss, Anger |
Alternative Options and Recommendations for Travellers to Broome
Given the mixed and often negative reviews surrounding Broome Taxis Powered by Oiii, travellers visiting Broome are strongly advised to explore alternative transportation options. The numerous experiences of long waits, unfulfilled bookings, and unprofessional driver conduct point to significant systemic issues.
- Pearl Town Taxis: Several reviewers specifically recommend Pearl Town taxis, citing them as more reliable, cheaper, and offering better customer service, with one driver, Tony, singled out for praise.
- Pre-Booking with Other Services: Research and book transfers in advance with established, reputable companies.
- Ride-Sharing Apps: While availability in Broome may be limited, investigate the possibility of using ride-sharing applications.
- Consider Local Hotels/Accommodation: Enquire with your accommodation about recommended taxi or shuttle services.
While a reliance on taxis is often inevitable in a tourist destination, the reported issues with Broome Taxis Powered by Oiii demand a cautious approach and a proactive exploration of alternatives to ensure a safe and hassle-free travel experience. They’ll continue to operate, one assumes, but prospective clients are advised to do their due diligence and proceed with prudence.