Swan Taxis: A Cab Service in Victoria Park with Mixed Experiences

Swan Taxis: A Mixed Bag of Experiences in Victoria Park

Swan Taxis, operating out of 7 Harvey St, Victoria Park WA 6100, AU, presents a complex picture based on recent customer feedback. While boasting accessibility features like wheelchair accessible entrances and parking, the service's overall rating of 2.300000 reflects a concerning number of negative experiences, alongside a few pockets of genuine praise. The company’s phone number is +61 131330, and they’re located in Victoria Park, though the specific borough isn’t listed. The reviews paint a stark contrast – exceptional drivers going above and beyond versus allegations of dishonest practices and safety concerns. Let’s break down the reported issues and positives to understand the full story.

Allegations of Unfair Pricing and Collusion: A Red Flag

The most pervasive and troubling theme arising from customer reviews is the consistent complaint regarding unfair pricing and potential collusion amongst drivers. Multiple individuals report drivers attempting to inflate fares significantly beyond what’s reasonable, particularly at Perth Airport. Let's look at the specifics:

• Airport Price Gouging: Several reviewers describe being quoted exorbitant fares (up to $50 for a 10-minute ride) upon arrival at Perth Airport.
• Driver Refusal & Collusion: The difficulty in finding an alternative driver willing to accept a fair meter fare is alarming. One reviewer reported encountering four other cabs that refused service simply because they didn't accept the initial inflated price, strongly suggesting a coordinated effort. This paints a worrying picture of potential price fixing to exploit incoming travellers.
• Meter Tampering & Post-Trip Additions: Another recurring issue involves drivers manipulating the meter after the journey is complete. Adding fares, requesting cash payments, and displaying annoyance when card payments are offered are all concerning tactics detailed in multiple reviews.
• Extended Routes & Inflated Fares: One passenger alleges a driver deliberately took a longer route, resulting in a grossly inflated fare of $300 for a trip that should have cost significantly less, with a pre-agreed price of $200 initially.
• Unexplained Pre-Trip Meter Charges: One reviewer highlights arguably the most alarming point: a meter already ticking over before the trip even began, costing an immediate $3.

This cluster of complaints suggests a systemic issue within Swan Taxis, indicative of a lack of proper driver oversight and a potential disregard for fair pricing practices. It’s critical for Swan Taxis to investigate these allegations thoroughly and implement robust measures to prevent future occurrences.

Rare Moments of Excellent Service and Driver Praise

Despite the prevalent negative feedback, there are gleaming exceptions highlighting the potential for genuinely positive experiences with Swan Taxis. These tales offer a counterbalance to the darker narratives and remind us that individual drivers, despite systemic issues, can provide excellent service:

• Early Arrival & Courteous Driver: One reviewer specifically praised a driver named Yad, highlighting his punctuality (arriving 10 minutes early for a 6 am airport run), chattiness, politeness, and excellent driving skills. This anecdote provides a much-needed positive perspective amidst the criticism.
• "Old Mate" Saviour: A stranded traveller, facing a predatory driver, was remarkably rescued by a driver (identified by their plate TAXI5738) who went against the apparent driver collusion and provided a fair ride. This individual deserves a 5-star rating and showcases the importance of ethical drivers within the company.
• Helpful Customer Service: While improvements are needed across the board, one reviewer noted the assistance provided by a customer service officer after reporting a concerning incident, suggesting a potential willingness within the company to address complaints, even if the resolution process needs streamlining.

It’s important to acknowledge these positive experiences. They demonstrate that the potential for good exists within Swan Taxis, but these bright spots are shadowed by the wider concerns detailed above.

App Issues and Safety Concerns: Beyond Pricing

Beyond the pricing irregularities, reviewers have identified further areas of concern regarding Swan Taxis, primarily focusing on the app and driver behaviour:

• Buggy App & Poor User Experience: Numerous users describe issues with the company's app, including drivers showing as stationary when they are not, difficulty contacting drivers, and a generally poorly designed interface. The unreliable app significantly detracts from the booking experience.
• Unresponsive Customer Support via App: Getting through to customer service via the app is also a reported struggle, with some users experiencing repeated call hang-ups.
• Reckless & Potentially Impaired Driving: A careless actions on the road by a Swan Taxi driver (plate TAXI2906) have been reported. The driver was swerving erratically and driving significantly below the speed limit, raising serious doubts about their fitness to drive. This includes obvious signs of potentially being intoxicated, or distracted through mobile usage.
• Vehicle Safety Issues: One reviewer reported broken seatbelts in the rear of a taxi, highlighting potential safety hazards within the fleet. Lack of vehicle identification displayed has also been cited.

Disclaimer: The reviews and opinions expressed here are based on publicly available information and do not represent an exhaustive analysis. It is recommended that users make informed decisions based on their own research and experiences.