Pros 
Cons A Mixed Bag: Recent Experiences with Black & White Cabs
Black & White Cabs, operating out of Currajong, Queensland, certainly evoke strong opinions from their customers. With an average rating of 2.7 out of 5, the reviews paint a picture of a service that's incredibly inconsistent. While some praise their reliability and friendly drivers, a significant number share frustrating experiences involving missed bookings, long wait times, and questionable customer service. The phone number, +61 133222, is often the point of contact during these mixed experiences, with some finding the booking operators helpful, while others report rudeness and unhelpful responses. It's clear they operate in a competitive market, often pitted against ride-sharing services like Uber, and the contrast in experiences highlighted in user reviews suggests an area for significant improvement. The address, 31-33 Keane St, Currajong QLD 4812, Australia, might be a familiar sight to locals, but for visitors, navigating their booking process can be a gamble.
The Upsides: Where Black & White Cabs Shine
Despite the prevalent negative feedback, there are undeniable positive experiences worth acknowledging. Several customers have reported success with Black & White Cabs, particularly when needing immediate transport.
Here's a snapshot of the positive feedback:
- Prioritised Service: One reviewer found Black & White Cabs to be a lifesaver when struggling to secure an Uber and facing a bus trip departure. The service prioritised a taxi, allowing them to arrive on time.
- Helpful Booking Operators: Several customers specifically mentioned the helpfulness of the booking operators, particularly those based in Townsville. It seems some interactions within the call centre are genuinely positive, assisting customers effectively.
- Reliable Drivers (Sometimes): At least one reviewer raved about a particular driver (referred to as Mark and Mike), praising their fantastic service and noting a preference for Black & White Cabs over 13Cabs. Another customer experienced a positive interaction with driver #125, stating they were polite, happy to chat, and provided a clean and comfortable ride. This highlights that the quality of service can be heavily dependent on individual drivers.
- Persistence in a Smaller Scale: A further comment showed that even when there’s a delay, the company follows through, unlike larger companies where this doesn't always happen.
This suggests a potential strength: a dedication to fulfilling commitments, even if it means occasional delays. Perhaps the small-company feel (as one customer noted), allows for a closer, more hands-on approach that sometimes translates into positive interactions.
The Downsides: Recurring Issues & Customer Concerns
The most consistent theme emerging from the reviews surrounding Black & White Cabs is unreliability and poor customer service. Let’s break down the recurring issues:
- Missed Bookings – A Major Problem: Multiple reviewers reported having pre-booked taxis that simply didn’t arrive. This has left people stranded, particularly when travelling to or from the airport, a situation that can be incredibly stressful and costly.
- Excessive Wait Times: A 40-minute wait, compounded by unhelpful responses from the booking office, is cited as a particularly frustrating experience. It's clear the tracking and dispatch system needs significant improvement.
- Rude and Unhelpful Staff: The booking operators are a point of much criticism. Accounts of rudeness, dismissive responses ("God will help you with a cab then"), and a general lack of concern for customers' situations are deeply concerning.
- Unresponsive to Complaints: The “trying but don’t know when” response, as reported by one stranded customer, exemplifies a lack of proactive communication and problem-solving.
- Online Booking Failures: The online booking system is described as "absolutely useless," and failing to guarantee bookings despite pre-arranged times.
- Driver Acceptance Issues: One reviewer highlighted that drivers weren't accepting rides, leaving them stranded and forced to rely on alternatives like Uber. This suggests a potential issue with driver availability or incentivisation.
| Issue | Frequency | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Missed Bookings | High | Missed appointments, travel disruptions |
| Long Wait Times | Medium | Stress, inconvenience |
| Rude Staff | Medium | Negative customer experience |
| Poor Communication | High | Frustration, feelings of being ignored |
The Verdict: Is Black & White Cabs Worth the Risk?
Navigating the experiences shared with Black & White Cabs is like traversing a bumpy road. The potential for positive interactions – helpful operators, reliable drivers, and reasonable pricing – exists, but is significantly overshadowed by well-documented issues concerning missed bookings, extended wait times, and notably poor customer service. The contrast between positive testimonials and scathing complaints suggests a need for systemic change.
For locals who’ve established relationships with certain drivers and understand the quirks of the system, Black & White Cabs might be a viable option. However, for visitors, or anyone relying on guaranteed transportation, especially for time-critical events like flights, the risks appear to outweigh the potential benefits. The overwhelming recommendation echoed throughout the reviews is a clear: “Go Uber instead.” Until significant improvements are implemented across booking management, driver availability, and customer service training, Black & White Cabs risks losing ground in an increasingly competitive market. They need to provide assurance that the services delivered are fair, timely and considerate.