Cessnock Radio Cabs: A Taxi Service That Leaves You Stranded

A Chorus of Complaints: The Cessnock Radio Cabs Experience

Cessnock Radio Cabs, operating out of 52 Cumberland St, Cessnock NSW 2325, currently holds a dismal 2.5-star rating, and the overwhelming consensus among reviewers paints a picture of profound unreliability and frustrating customer service. It’s clear that the current state of affairs leaves much to be desired, with a recurring theme of missed bookings, unreachable phone lines, and unpleasant driver interactions dominating the feedback. The dissatisfaction is so prevalent that many past customers now actively endorse alternatives like Uber, highlighting a stark contrast in service quality and convenience. It’s almost a universal experience – attempts to book a taxi frequently end in wasted time and considerable stress.

Several reviewers express the sheer difficulty in even contacting Cessnock Radio Cabs. Persistent issues include:

• Unanswered Calls: Repeated attempts to phone, sometimes exceeding 12 calls, frequently result only in an automated message.
• Extended Hold Times: Those who do manage to connect are often subjected to hold times stretching up to 25 minutes – a substantial period to endure when you're simply seeking transportation.
• Constantly Busy Lines: The phone lines are frequently reported as constantly busy, even during periods that wouldn't logically warrant such high call volume. This suggests potential systemic problems with their phone infrastructure and call management.
• Late Notifications: One customer received a text message nearly 20 minutes after their scheduled pick-up time, only to be informed their taxi would arrive another 20 minutes later.

This has led to missed events, frantic calls to friends and family for assistance, and a widespread feeling of being disregarded as a customer. The inability to secure reliable transport has significantly impacted people's ability to attend important events like weddings and social gatherings.

Driver Behaviour and Pricing Discrepancies: A Source of Further Frustration

Beyond the fundamental issues of availability, many reviews also spotlight concerning behaviour from drivers and unpredictable pricing practices. The experiences recounted are often jarring and indicative of a lack of training or accountability within the company.

Here's what reviewers have shared regarding drivers and fare structures:

• Rudeness: Multiple customers describe encounters with exceptionally rude drivers. One reviewer reported a conversation with an operator described as "the rudest human being" they’d ever spoken to.
• Lack of Familiarity: One incident involved a driver who didn't know the local area or how his own taxi’s machine worked, leading to an unsettling and inefficient journey.
• Unreliable Meter Usage & Inflated Prices: Several reviewers detail being quoted a price (ranging from $50-$60) before the trip, only to be presented with a significantly higher fare ($75) upon arrival, allegedly based on the meter. One was then charged an additional $6 for card payment. This suggests a potential lack of transparency and possible overcharging.
• Cancelling of Bookings: A driver cancelled a pre-booked trip while only 2km away, citing a "closer job". This last-minute abandonment left the customer stranded and in a difficult position.
• Unprofessional Conduct: One reviewer noted a situation where a driver's behaviour appeared inappropriately personal, highlighting a clear need for a focus on professionalism within the service.

Missed Appointments and Event Disruptions – The Real-World Impact

The unreliability of Cessnock Radio Cabs isn’t merely an inconvenience; it’s actively disrupting people's lives and impacting significant events. The stories below highlight the serious consequences resulting from booking with this company.

Here are some particularly impactful examples:

• A Missed Wedding Arrival: A family booked a taxi well in advance to transport four family members to a daughter's wedding, ensuring the guitarist could play before the bride's arrival. The taxi never arrived, the phone number was unreachable, and they were forced to drive themselves, arriving late and missing the musical performance. The need to leave a car at the venue overnight and arrange for next-day retrieval further compounded the disruption.
• Lost Time and Alternative Arrangements: Numerous customers describe spending hours attempting to book a taxi, only to be met with busy signals or endless hold times. This has forced them to rely on friends, family, or alternative transport options, ultimately costing them valuable time and causing unnecessary stress.
• Event Set-Up Disruption: One customer needed transportation for an event’s set-up and was unable to reach the cab company, forcing a friend to step in and assist. This being a friend who was also busy with the event itself, it created further complication.

The Uber Alternative & Calls for Change

The contrast between the experiences with Cessnock Radio Cabs and services like Uber is strikingly consistent throughout the reviews. Customers report Uber providing cleaner vehicles, active tracking of their journey, and an overall higher standard of service – often at a lower cost. The repeated recommendation to “just book an Uber” speaks volumes about the perceived shortcomings of Cessnock Radio Cabs.

Key comparisons between the two services are presented below.

The sheer volume of negative feedback raises serious questions about the viability of Cessnock Radio Cabs’ current operating model. Many reviewers openly question why the company continues to operate, suggesting a need for significant improvements in customer service, operational efficiency, and driver management—or, as some bluntly suggest, a potential cessation of business.