A Pattern of Missed Pickups and Broken Promises
The reviews for 13CABS in Moonah paint a consistently frustrating picture. A recurring theme is the failure to deliver on booked rides, particularly early morning airport transfers. Several customers report booking taxis well in advance, only to find themselves stranded at the curb with no vehicle appearing. One user explicitly details the disappointment of a 4am airport pickup not materialising, forcing them to rely on a competing ride-sharing service (Uber) which arrived swiftly. This lack of reliability extends beyond just airport runs, with multiple accounts of booked cabs simply not showing up.
It's not just about missing the initial pickup – the booking system itself appears problematic. One user recounts being shuffled between queues, seemingly endlessly, only to have the trip completed in the app before they were even collected. This results in unwarranted charges and a deeply frustrating experience. The app's functionality also comes under fire, with reports of constantly changing vehicle registration numbers before the ride is ultimately cancelled and the user left stranded. The promise of 24/7 customer service via phone is described as a misleading facade, with automated messages and glitching lines hindering any attempt to cancel or inquire about a missing ride. The consequence of these failures can be significant, as one customer tragically experienced, missing a crucial medical appointment due to 13CABS’ unreliability.
"Don't wait your time with this company." – A sentiment echoed repeatedly in the feedback.
Navigational Fumbles and Questionable Driver Quality
Beyond the issues with bookings, the quality of the drivers themselves is a significant point of concern. Several reviewers highlight experiences where drivers demonstrate a shocking lack of familiarity with the local area, despite residing in Tasmania for a considerable period. One individual recounts having to repeatedly provide directions to a driver who had lived in the region for two years, raising serious questions regarding the company’s hiring and training practices. This lack of basic navigational competence is simultaneously baffling and concerning to customers.
The overall driver demeanour also receives criticism. Many describe drivers as rude, unhelpful, and lacking in basic conversation skills. There’s a perception that drivers are more interested in maximising their earnings than providing a pleasant service. This is exemplified by an incident on New Year’s Eve where a driver overcharged a group of customers, switching the meter on and off to inflate the fare from an estimated $22 to a hefty $35. This behaviour reinforces the perception of 13CABS as exploitative and prioritising profit over customer satisfaction. Concerns have also been raised regarding some drivers engaging in speeding, highlighting a potential disregard for passenger safety.
Accessibility in Theory, but Concerns in Practice
On paper, 13CABS appears to cater well to those with accessibility needs. The provided information indicates that the service offers wheelchair accessible entrances and parking lots – a crucial feature for many potential customers. However, this commendable accessibility focus is not reflected in the broader customer experience. The overwhelming negativity in the reviews doesn’t address accessibility-specific issues, which suggests that while the facilities might be present, the service for those needing them may not be as reliable or welcoming.
It is worth noting the limited information available about 13CABS’ specific accessibility training for drivers. While the physical accessibility features are a positive, it’s essential that drivers are adequately trained to assist passengers with disabilities with sensitivity and competence. Until there is more feedback relating to this aspect of the service, it remains an area of potential concern despite the stated facilities.
Accessibility Feature | Enabled |
---|---|
Wheelchair accessible entrance | Yes |
Wheelchair accessible parking lot | Yes |
A Clear Shift Towards Alternatives: Uber's Ascendancy
The consistent barrage of negative reviews has clearly driven customers away from 13CABS and towards alternative ride-sharing solutions, most notably Uber. Numerous reviewers explicitly state their intention to only use Uber moving forward, citing the frustrating and unreliable nature of 13CABS as the primary reason. The transition isn’t just anecdotal; it reflects a broader trend of dissatisfaction with traditional taxi services in favour of the convenience and perceived reliability of app-based alternatives.
The rise of Uber directly highlights 13CABS’ shortcomings. While 13CABS struggles with missed bookings, price gouging, and unhelpful drivers, Uber provides a comparative experience which many customers now actively seek. The willingness of customers to abandon a long-standing taxi service in favour of a newer competitor speaks volumes about the current state of 13CABS’ reputation and the urgent need for significant operational and customer service improvements. The overwhelmingly negative sentiment expressed by users suggests a tipping point has been reached, potentially signaling a challenging future for 13CABS in the face of increasing competition and a decline in customer loyalty.