Black & White Cabs (NSW): Disappointing Rides and Customer Struggles

A Cascade of Complaints: Recurring Themes of Deceptive Practices

Black & White Cabs (NSW) consistently receives scathing reviews, with a dismal rating of 1.7. The sheer volume and consistency of negative feedback paints a concerning picture of deceptive practices and appalling customer service. A significant portion of complaints revolve around dishonest fare manipulation. Multiple reviewers detail instances where drivers blacked out meters, added arbitrary "service fees" or "airport surcharges," and inflated fares far beyond what is considered reasonable for the distance travelled. These aren't isolated incidents; they appear to be a pervasive problem within the company.

Here’s a breakdown of the core issues repeatedly mentioned:

• Meter Tampering & Financial Exploitation: Numerous accounts detail drivers disabling or obscuring the meter, then charging exorbitant amounts. This exploitative behaviour is particularly distressing when customers are already vulnerable, such as those arriving at airports after long flights or, tragically, requiring urgent transport to hospital. Examples include a $43 fare over 10 minutes from Sydney Airport, a $100 charge for a Melbourne airport to Lonsdale Street run (when a previous trip cost $50), and a horrifying $157.50 bill for a 10km journey to RPA hospital with a broken foot.
• Gaslighting and Refusal of Payment: Some drivers allegedly attempt to justify these inflated fares through gaslighting, dismissing customer concerns and claiming ignorance of standard pricing. In one particularly alarming case, a driver refused to let a passenger leave the vehicle until the inflated fare was paid.
• Lack of Transparency & Accountability: The company's reported lack of responsiveness to complaints exacerbates the problem. The complaints line’s voicemail-only system and failure to return calls leave customers feeling ignored and powerless. This, coupled with drivers’ I.D. cards being obscured, makes it difficult to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
• Extortionate Airport Routes & Driver Disgruntlement: Several reviewers reported being forced onto lengthy, expensive routes (like the M5 and Eastern Distributor) despite shorter, more direct options being available. One driver even voiced displeasure about a short fare, demonstrating a possible connection between driver attitude and unfair pricing strategies.

Customer Experiences: Personal Stories of Disappointment & Distress

The numerical rating is one thing, but the personal stories behind those reviews reveal the true extent of the distress experienced by Black & White Cab customers. Here are several recounts illustrating the negative impact on individuals:

• The Airport Arrival Nightmare: One customer, fresh off an international flight, was subjected to a disgruntled driver who complained about the fare and made inappropriate comments. This immediately soured what should have been a routine airport transfer.
• Emergency Transportation Turned Exploitative: The story of someone with a broken foot needing transport to RPA hospital is heartbreaking. Being charged an exorbitant $157.50 for a short trip while vulnerable highlights a deeply unethical business practice. The driver's actions are particularly appalling given the customer’s critical condition.
• Lost and Unsafe: A passenger recounted a terrifying experience where the driver demonstrated a lack of basic navigational skills, getting lost near the Harbour Bridge and refusing to follow instructions. This created a situation where the customer felt unsafe and deeply regretted choosing Black & White Cabs.
• Accident & Insurance Refusal: Another customer’s vehicle was rear-ended by a Black & White Cab driver, but the company allegedly refused to process a legitimate insurance claim, leaving the victim to deal with the consequences.
• Melbourne Airport "Scam": A user strongly contends that they were "scammed" at Melbourne domestic airport, with the driver presenting an inflated fare with dubious "airport surcharges". They noted previous journeys had never cost such amounts.

"Absolutely evil company. Broke my foot at Sydney Olympic Park and needed to be transported to RPA hospital. Should have been a roughly $40 trip. Scum bag driver blacked out the meter and wouldn't let my partner leave the car until he paid $157.50 for the 10km trip." - Customer Review

Accessibility and Operational Details That Don’t Alleviate Concerns

While Black & White Cabs (NSW) promotes wheelchair accessibility as a facility, the operational issues and unethical practices mentioned previously overshadow this positive aspect. The company is located at 2/89 Gow St, Padstow NSW 2211, Australia, and their phone number is +61 2 8319 8216. However, this accessibility feature does little to mitigate the widespread reports of fare manipulation and poor driver behaviour.

Here's a summary of available details:

The lack of publicly available opening hours raises further questions about the company’s commitment to transparency and customer service. Furthermore, the widespread complaints, despite the stated accessibility feature, suggest a fundamental problem with ethical operational practices within the company.

Alternatives and Recommendations: Why Customers Are Switching to Ride-Sharing Apps

The consistent dissatisfaction with Black & White Cabs (NSW) has driven many customers to explore alternative transportation options, primarily ride-sharing services like Uber. The ease of fare transparency, GPS tracking, and driver accountability offered by these apps provide a stark contrast to the experiences reported with Black & White Cabs. Customers overwhelmingly recommend avoiding Black & White Cabs and suggest opting for alternative services.

• Uber as a Preferred Choice: Numerous reviews explicitly state a shift from traditional taxis to Uber due to concerns about fare manipulation and driver behaviour with Black & White Cabs.
• Reporting to Authorities: Several customers mentioned intending to report the company (and specific drivers) to regulatory bodies like Safe Transport Victoria, highlighting a desire for greater accountability within the taxi industry.
• Increased Scrutiny Needed: The sheer volume of complaints indicates that considerable scrutiny and potentially formal investigation are warranted to address the widespread allegations of unethical and potentially illegal practices within Black & White Cabs (NSW).
• Strong Recommendation to Avoid: The simplest and most advisable response, according to affected customers, is to simply avoid Black & White Cabs altogether. They argue it's not worth the risk of being scammed or experiencing a negative encounter.