Taxi's, Cab's Penticton

[theseeker]

Well it's me again, this time it's about our "Taxi, Cab Service" here in Penticton. I take a cab occasionally, when I'm out and have had a few drinks, trying to be responsible and all. Well you know when you order the cab you tell them it's debit because some cabs only take cash, go figure no debit cards or visa or master card, well about a week ago after a few beer's and some wine and no cash left, I order the cab and I get in the back seat we leave and about $5.00 on the meter I see this printed sign taped to the glove box [compartment] saying cash only, I say whoa I have no cash just debit, he say's cash and keeps driving, I say pull over and stop and ask him to call a cab that takes debit as that's what I called for, I'm sorry but I had a hard time understanding this young man's English and I think the dispatcher had a problem, I got out and refused to pay the $5.00 and had to phone to reorder the cab, which I say got there quickly. Has anyone else had a problem like I had, if this keeps up we'll need a designated driver or a different system.

[southy]

How do you spell UBER? Perhaps the time is right.

[Bsuds]

So the place you were drinking at can't give you cash for your debit?

[southy]

And why exactly should this individual jump through hoops, ie: remembering to ask bar for cash on his debit so he can catch a cab home. This is 2017 and the technology is available. Which would then point back to the cab company simply not wanting to install said technology in their cabs due to cost. This clearly is the cab's problem not the individual calling the cab. Like I said UBER makes sense - then you can watch said cab companies go crying to city hall.

[Bsuds]

And why exactly should this individual jump through hoops, ie: remembering to ask bar for cash on his debit so he can catch a cab home.

Well he can remember to ask the Cab Co to send a Cab with debit capabilities but can't remember to ask for cash at the Bar.

Cabbies are not too bright so it is better to be prepared than to rely on them to get it right.

[GordonH]

In today's day & age to have taxi's anywhere in north America unable to take debit or CC is rather wild. Taxi companies time to update to 21st century.

[fluffy]

I wonder what the reasoning behind "cash only" is? Debit and charge cards would appeal to a wider customer base, reduce the risk of carrying cash in the vehicle, and streamline bookkeeping. Wait a minute...bookkeeping. Hmmm.

[onestop67]

So the place you were drinking at can't give you cash for your debit?

Dumb question. The taxi should have debit available.

[onestop67]

Well he can remember to ask the Cab Co to send a Cab with debit capabilities but can't remember to ask for cash at the Bar.

Cabbies are not too bright so it is better to be prepared than to rely on them to get it right.

Now you're being elitist. Most of the "cabbies" that work the night shift in Penticton also work full time, skilled day jobs. They do these taxi jobs as one more way to earn money. They work harder than you ever did.

[onestop67]

I wonder what the reasoning behind "cash only" is? Debit and charge cards would appeal to a wider customer base, reduce the risk of carrying cash in the vehicle, and streamline bookkeeping. Wait a minute...bookkeeping. Hmmm.

I can't speak for that situation, but they did have an issue with the debit machines a week or two ago. Blame the bank!

But if it was something a specific driver was doing, to only take cash, get the car number and report him.

[fluffy]

If it was a temporary technical problem then that would leave be an acceptable explanation.

[Bsuds]

They work harder than you ever did.

You have no idea.

[JagXKR]

I know they are busy this week. Seem to be going non stop.

[twobits]

[

But if it was something a specific driver was doing, to only take cash, get the car number and report him.

There are many businesses that do not accept credit or debit cards. Typically they are not small purchase retail/service businesses like a cab service however. There is really only one reason for a business such as a cab company to not accept electronic payment. Tax evasion.
I shared a cab ride home from a xmas party a cpl of years ago with an engineer of a certain ethnicity that was rather pale skinned. Upon exiting and paying the fair, the cab driver picked up the radio mike and talked to dispatch in his mother tongue. My guest then had an exchange with the cabbie in mother tongue much to the cabbie's surprise. I asked my guest what was going on. Long story short....he gave the cabbie crap for being a tax cheat and perpetuating the ethnic group's poor reputation. The cabbie had told dispatch that we paid cash for the fare, didn't ask for a reciept, and to erase the ride from the log.
We then asked for a receipt.

[southy]

So maybe just maybe the Green Parties push for allowing UBER in is a good thing. Will be interesting to see how this plays out with the NDP ,,, could be the end of the lovefest.