Pros 
Cons A Mixed Bag of Experiences: What Customers are Saying About Taxi Combined Service
Taxi Combined Service in Launceston, Tasmania, currently holds a 2.5-star rating, and the customer feedback paints a picture of significant inconsistency. While some patrons rave about friendly drivers and efficient service, a concerning number report issues ranging from no-shows and inflated fares to unprofessional behaviour and safety concerns. It's clear that while the company can deliver a positive experience, reliability and quality control appear to be areas needing significant improvement. The address, 32 Cameron St, Launceston TAS 7250, Australia, serves as the base of operations, yet the actual experience seems to vary wildly depending on the driver and circumstance. The availability of wheelchair accessible parking is a positive and welcomed inclusion for those with mobility needs, a detail outlined in their about facilities. Phone bookings can be made on +61 131008.
The Good: Praise for Professionalism and Reliability (Sometimes)
Not all encounters with Taxi Combined Service are negative. Several reviewers highlight genuinely positive interactions, specifically praising the friendliness and helpfulness of individual drivers.
- Prompt & Informative: One customer lauded a trip arranged through insurance, noting the welcome texts informing them of the taxi’s arrival—a level of communication that many others seem to miss out on. The text updates, provided directly from the taxi company and drivers, served as reassurance and kept the customer informed.
- Kind and Courteous: Multiple reviewers specifically mentioned the kindness and politeness of drivers, downplaying any potential issues with the service itself. "A lovely man" and "fabulous fast friendly service" are phrases recurring in the positive reviews. One reviewer travelling after a car breakdown was particularly grateful for a safe and friendly ride home to Youngtown.
- Seamless Airport Transfer (Occasionally): While the airport fare fiasco detailed later, some customers had satisfactory airport transfers without issue. This highlights the variability in service quality; a good experience is possible, but far from guaranteed.
However it is noticeable that several of the positive reviews involve trips organised via insurance or through a third party, which might imply a level of added oversight compared to direct bookings.
The Bad: Reliability Issues, Questionable Practices & Driver Conduct
The darker side of Taxi Combined Service's reputation stems from recurring complaints about unreliability, price gouging, and unprofessional conduct from drivers. These issues significantly detract from the company's overall standing and are clearly eroding customer trust.
- No-Shows & Cancellations: A disheartening number of customers report booking taxis that never arrive, often followed by explanations citing cancellations they claim weren't initiated by the customer. One review suggests these cancellations are disproportionately affecting shorter trips ("not a 'big' enough trip"). This lack of accountability, especially when coupled with claims of excellent customer service, is deeply frustrating.
- Airport Fare Discrepancies: The reported $5.90 to $62 fare jump for a short Launceston airport run raises serious concerns about transparency and potentially exploitative pricing. While the company acknowledges a 5% fee for credit cards (which doesn't justify the massive difference), the perceived lack of clarity surrounding airport charges needs addressing. It appears that drivers, operating independently, are the source of this behaviour.
- Unsafe Driving & Car Conditions: Several reviews detail alarming driver behaviour, including:
- Driving significantly below the speed limit.
- Ignoring safe parking practices, with a driver's car “hanging out onto the busy street” when loading luggage.
- A strong smell of cigarette smoke inside the vehicle.
- A driver seemingly distracted and unhelpful with luggage, especially concerning for a customer travelling with a young child.
- Communication Breakdown: The accounts of drivers not knowing the destination initially, and a complete absence of promised text updates, demonstrate a lack of coordination and professionalism. This is particularly visible when comparing one customer's positive experience with timely text notifications, to another's lack thereof.
Can Taxi Combined Service Improve? Potential Solutions & Considerations
Addressing the concerning trends within the customer feedback is crucial for Taxi Combined Service to improve its 2.5-star rating and restore customer confidence. Here are potential solutions and points to consider:
- Driver Accountability & Training: Strengthen driver screening and provide ongoing training on professional conduct, safe driving practices, and transparent pricing. Implement a robust feedback system for customers to report concerns.
- Standardized Pricing & Airport Fees: Implement clearer, standardized pricing, particularly for airport transfers. The arbitrary nature of the present charges warrants immediate review. Make airport fees explicitly visible before the ride is accepted by the driver.
- Improved Dispatch System: Rectify the no-show and cancellation issues by improving dispatch efficiency and ensuring booked taxis are reliably sent. Investigate the "short trip" cancellation policy and its fairness.
- Communication Protocol: Reinforce the importance of text updates (as seen in the positive reviews) and ensure drivers adhere to communication protocols.
- Independent Oversight: Given the drivers operate independently, consider implementing a stronger level of oversight to ensure adherence to company policies and customer service standards. This may involve spot checks or performance reviews.
The diverse experiences reported signal a need for urgent improvements to ensure that every customer receives a reliable, safe, and professional taxi service. Until then, the warnings from disgruntled customers, particularly those suggesting using Uber as an alternative, are hard to ignore.