She Was Right To Refuse To Pay New York Taxi Driver For Friviolous Ride
A video shows a heated exchange between a woman and cab driver, arguing over the far and the route he took. Generally speaking, I think a taxi driver who cheats you does not deserve even a small portion of the fare. But was that the case here?
Taxi Driver Holds Woman’s Luggage Hostage In New York After Fare Dispute
An exchange captured on video in Manhattan shows a woman struggling with a taxi driver for her luggage. The cabbie was holding it until she paid her fare, but she claimed she did not owe him any money.
Based on how I interpret the video, the following went down:
- Traffic is notoriously bad in Manhattan…I usually find it is quicker to walk than take a car
- The woman was upset that her driver refused to use GPS to reach their destination
- She claimed, “He took me on a ride around the whole city and double-charged me!”
- As a result of the extended journey, she missed her bus
- She asked him to let her off three blocks before he did, and he refused
- As a result, she refused to pay him
- And as a result of that, he held her luggage hostage
- Eventually, a peacemaker paid her fare, allowing her to get her luggage and leave
A few thoughts. First, the douschebag filming who keeps saying with that annoying New York accent, “You gotta pay the fare!” is a dotard who should have remained silent. At that early point in the conflict, he had no idea.
Second, the main issue is a bit more complicated. In my experience, GPS directions are often very poor in New York City. A good cabbie may well know “shortcuts” that even Waze does not. It’s not inconceivable that he was justified in refusing to use navigation. Furthermore, this woman may have been a “Karen” looking for a way to skirt paying an expensive cab fare. Finally, it’s not always safe to let someone out when they demand it.
On the other hand, I’ve dealt with far too many crooked cabbies over the years…taking customers “for a ride” is a common fraudulent move and if he did refuse to let her out the moment she asked, assuming it was safe to do so, then I believe he is not owed a penny. Rather, he should lose his license.
Pragmatically, I would have paid what I felt appropriate (I’ve resorted to that approach in many situations…) rather than nothing at all, but holding the luggage hostage was the only leverage he had.
Ultimately, I believe the woman when she said the taxi driver would not let her out of the car. And if that is true, it strikes me as much more conceivable that he also took a deliberately circuitous route in order to run up the meter.
CONCLUSION
Folks, I look forward to the day when driverless cars replace every last cab and rideshare driver. But until that happens, you can protect yourself by keeping your bag next to you in the car and standing up for yourself (even calling the police if necessary) if a cab driver tries to extort or swindle you.
I may be wrong, but I’m siding with the woman here.
What about you?
image: screengrabs from @newyorkmadness1 / Instagram