Pros 
Cons A Pattern of Persistent Problems: Reliability and Punctuality Concerns
Blue Taxi Company, unfortunately, appears to be struggling significantly with providing reliable and punctual service in Darwin City. Numerous customer reviews paint a bleak picture of consistently late arrivals, missed bookings, and a general disregard for pre-arranged schedules. The recurring theme of lateness is particularly alarming, with documented instances of taxis arriving 20 minutes late, causing missed buses to work and frustrating airport transfers. The frustrating aspect is that many customers pre-book their taxis, expecting a level of certainty – a certainty that Blue Taxi Company seemingly cannot guarantee.
“I wish I could rate 0! I booked 24 hours prior and still the taxi arrived 20 mins late and I missed my bus to go to work which is 3 hours away.”
The lack of adequate communication and proactive problem-solving exacerbates these issues. Rather than addressing delays with transparency and offering viable solutions, customers report being given vague assurances (e.g., "I'll put your booking at the top of the list") which ultimately fail to prevent missed appointments and significant inconvenience. The stark contrast with Uber’s average 5-minute wait time further highlights the disparity in service quality. Blue Taxi’s hourly wait times, according to some, underscores a systemic problem with dispatch and driver availability. This unreliability directly impacts customers' ability to plan their day and makes Blue Taxi an inherently risky choice.
Financial Discrepancies and Shady Practices: Transparency Concerns
Beyond the issues of timeliness, multiple reviews raise serious concerns about the financial practices of some Blue Taxi drivers. Customers allege instances of inflated fares, unexplained surcharges, and outright dishonesty when it comes to payment. The specific issue of surcharges for card transactions, where drivers allegedly withhold the surcharge instead of passing it on to the customer, raises suspicions of potential fraudulent behavior. While a surcharge for shorter trips is standard practice, the failure to remit this charge is deeply concerning.
Here’s a breakdown of reported financial issues:
- Inflated Meter Readings: One customer reported a $23 fare quickly escalating to $37, allegedly due to a driver manipulating the meter. The accounts of drivers erasing the machine at the last minute, and then charging customers more money are shocking.
- Unexplained Surcharges: Being charged $68.99 for a Palmerston to city trip that should have cost $55, with an unexplainable additional $13.99 surcharge, is a common complaint.
- Failed Change Returns: Drivers allegedly promising change but then "forgetting" to provide it, leaving customers shortchanged.
- Lack of Tariff Transparency: An essential point brought up by clients – ensure you are aware of the active tariff before commencing your journey.
These claims suggest a lack of oversight and accountability within Blue Taxi Company, potentially allowing unscrupulous drivers to exploit customers.
Careless Handling of Luggage & Driver Attitude: Safety and Respect Concerns
The reviews don't just focus on punctuality and finances; they also expose serious issues regarding driver behaviour and the care taken with passenger belongings. The incident involving a driver tossing luggage haphazardly into a trailer, leading to damage and a near-miss with other passengers' belongings, is particularly troubling. The complete lack of apology or acceptance of responsibility after several passengers loudly pleaded with the driver to stop, showcases an alarming lack of professionalism and disregard for passenger safety and property.
Here's a direct quote highlighting this experience:
“Saw our driver literally toss luggage into trailer on top of others randomly placed inside - no care. Driver drove off turned right at roundabout in airport, loud clang and my wife and other passengers yell STOP loudly several times... Our cases were as new, now have scuff marks on them and one corner nearly worn thru.”
This incident, coupled with reports of surly and grumpy drivers contrasting sharply with the friendly and helpful demeanour of Uber drivers, creates a negative perception of the overall Blue Taxi Company experience. Concerns extend beyond luggage handling: one reviewer called out the driver’s careless lane changes, creating a further impression of unsafe driving habits.
Accessibility and Inconsiderate Service: A Disappointment for Those Requiring Assistance
While Blue Taxi Company lists wheelchair accessible parking as a facility, the overall experience for individuals needing assistance appears significantly compromised. The story of a driver refusing a ride to a destination deemed "not a decent enough fair" for a passenger with two young children arriving from an overseas flight is deeply unsettling. A refusal based on perceived fare value, particularly when dealing with vulnerable passengers, demonstrates a stark lack of empathy and professional responsibility.
This anecdote emphasizes a more profound problem: a general lack of consideration for customer needs. Denying service to someone with young children, especially after a long flight, is demonstrably inconsiderate. This attitude, combined with the other concerns previously detailed – the reliability issues, the potential financial exploitation, the lack of proper luggage care – collectively presents a picture of a taxi service in need of substantial improvement. The contrast with Uber, where drivers proactively offer assistance with luggage and generally display a more customer-focused attitude, underscores the gap in service quality.