Dubai Taxis - Appalling service from Mirdif | ExpatWoman.com
 

Dubai Taxis - Appalling service from Mirdif

328
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 23:17

Ive been incapacitated over the last 10 days and cannot drive or walk properly. Pain control are my words at the moment. I have been using Dubai Taxis for the last few days to get me to and from the hospital however on every occassion the taxi has either been so late or not shown up as my booking has vanished into think air, etc. This evening after arriving late from the hospital, an a mere 8hrs before I need to leave to get to the airport, I ordered a taxi to get my essential (cat litter and food) shopping sorted before I pack - I havent packed earlier as I wasnt sure until todays tests if I was allowed to fly. The taxi was ordered at 915pm, and after several calls and even ordering more taxis to see if ONE would show up, I went out to the street to flag one down. I ended up walking from Shorooq to Uptown Spinneys with my bad back, right hip, numb leg and foot. Not happy. Several taxis drive past me so there were taxis picking up in Shorooq, just not me. I nearly drove but since that would most likely end up with me smashed into something else, I decided against it, but I was close. I did my shopping and even bought one of those shopping wheely trolleys, had my trolley packed for me and I hobbled to the taxi rank. Annoyed there were 3 taxis waiting, instead of picking up my booking, I took one and paid him AED20 tip and hope he told his mates. They missed out. As I arrived home a few moments ago at 11pm, I received a taxi call telling me he was outside. I told him I had waited for nearly 2 hours then he hung up, didnt even wait to see if I still needed it and I wasnt even raising my voice. Ive made a complaint with the manager on duty, and as I have a 5am taxi booked for the airport tomorrow, he will manage this booking and ensure that I reach the airport. Ive also requested an investigation into the last 6 taxis Ive ordered over the last 2 days have all been min 1hr late or not showed or been cancelled without my action. If someone else has been picking up my taxis from Shorooq, you know who you are, then again you wont care if there is someone in pain who needs that taxi more than you, and you most probably wont be reading this. Sorry, I just had to get that off my chest before I clean, get the kitties sorted and pack. Perhaps an hours kip wouldnt go amiss either!

328
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 00:40
Thats great, I will def look into this. I have a few days in the Uk with family (TLC) then when Im back I need to find something for getting to and from work, to and from evening appointments and yes, shopping. I have an FJ Cruiser, someone may aswell enjoy it if I cant : ). Thanks again for the contact. x
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 00:38
Babylons, Feel for you - too bad you are unable to drive. If you don't want to take cabs and want to get a legal driver for a period of time then maybe you can contact http://www.saferdriver.ae/services.html A friend used them when she broke her leg. She said that their initial quote was a bit high but she told them that she would be requiring their service for 3 months and would only need the driver during the week and during the daytime and they tailored the package to her requirement. It was still more than what a cab would cost but she was happier in her own car and not having to wait for cabs and she and the driver got to be pretty chummy so he was very helpful with her groceries and stuff :)
328
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 01 April 2011 - 00:20
em2san, good idea. When I speak to the Manager at 5am I will mention this, he has also promised he will escalate to his senior manager and ask them to call and explain, etc. Perhaps I should send to 7 days or add a facebook group .... wish I could function then I could just drive my car as I always do. Relying on taxis is a nightmare.
488
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 23:40
The taxi booking service has been bad - not just for the last few days but for the better part of the last month. I think part of the issue is that everytime I have got in a cab, I've seen the message on the cab lcd flashing "You have been offered a job and not responded, you will not be offered a job for the next 3 minutes." Obviously, the cab drivers do not care about the 3 min penalty and would rather try their luck with people on the street or mall flagging them down. I've suggested to the taxi company that they should introduce a monetary fine to cab drivers who repeatedly ignore jobs from the call center. If more people make the same request, maybe they'd take notice.
328
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 23:29
Just to add, the Taxi manager stated the India v Pakistan match as a reason for the bad service yesterday. Well, during the match I was IN a taxi on the way back from the hospital and me and my friend were having a great laugh and chat with him, as he listened to the radio as he was driving. The match didnt stop him from working. Not a valid excuse ......
328
Posts
EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 23:26
Thanks CT, Im on the same thought path. I wont be driving for a few months, so Ive asked my company driver to see if he has anyone with legitimate visa etc who I cold employ who cold be insured on the company leased car I currently have. If not I will seek one out, and maybe I might even get used to it! Though I do like driving and miss it already after 12 days. Hope the taxi service improves in the meantime. : )
1579
Posts
EW EXPERT
Latest post on 31 March 2011 - 23:24
I am so sorry you have had such a bad time particularly given your ill health. I admit that instead of taxi's I use a private driver. It works out about 1/3 more expensive but his car is always clean, he drives really well and if he cannot get to me he will always send another driver. Well worth the effort to find someone you trust if you have an ongoing need. Safe travels.
 
 

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