One of the biggest complaints I encounter in the daily drive of my taxi is “why do taxi drivers refuse short fares?”

The main reason for short fare refusal is basically the driver does not want the short fare in the hope that the next fare will take him in the direction he wishes to go or the next fare will be more lucrative i.e. a longer fare.

What does this mean for the passenger?

For the passenger to be refused his or her ride is a terrible experience. The initial reaction is usually guilt followed by frustration and then anger.

Guilt because initially they feel empathy for the driver that may have been waiting quite a while on the taxi rank only to get a short fare. Then there is a sense of…

Frustration as perhaps this isn’t the first time they have encountered this type of refusal…

Anger has now set in because of the realisation that perhaps no taxi driver is willing to take them to their destination. They are now confronted with the challenge of finding alternative ways of getting to where they need to be.

Drivers need to realise and be aware that they are in this business to provide a service. If you are refusing fares you are not providing this service. The main thing a driver should be concerned with is getting people into his or her cab. As long as the meter is running you are getting paid and you are providing the service the industry is here for and everyone is a winner.

Remember a short fare will take you to your next fare. Aim to please the customer because without the customer we do not have a business. We want to keep our customers not drive them away and give them reason to choose other transport options.

By the way I have been driving taxis for 34 years and have never refused a short fare.

Nick Andrianakis
Owner, Operator and Driver