How do I get my money back ?

joanne72_uk · 29-10-2007, 09:35

I went into the office of CB taxis and booked a minibus for my family to and from Manchester airport. On arrival at Manchester airport the driver demanded the full balance for the drop-off and pick-up of £100. I wrote all the pick-up details down for the driver (a copy of which had already been left with the office) of our return flight number, arrival time and arranged to be collected at 9:30am on Saturday morning.....

We arrived at Manchester airport at 9:20am after an exhausting long-haul flight, we had 3 small children with us and so were not very happy when we found there was no taxi waiting for us. We waited for half an hour and then called the office, we were told the driver was on his way and would be there in 10-15 mins, so we waited....

At 10:30am we called the office again and were told that the person on the switch-board had just come on duty and didn't know anything about it, we were told to call back in 5-10 mins.

We called back at 10:40am and were told that the driver was on his way, when we asked where he was and how long he would be the switch board guy said he didn't know.

At 11:00am we called again (the taxi was now 90mins late) and were told there had been a huge accident on the motorway and the taxi was 15-20 mins away. There happened to be a police officer in the building and so my husband asked if he could radio through and find out about this 'huge accident', the policeman did so and surprise, surprise there was no accident.

By this time it was 11:25am, the taxiu was almost 2 hours late and we were freezing, we had no more the a few pounds in english money on us and there was still no sign of the taxi, we called the office back to be told that the taxi would be there in 15-20 mins, at this stage my husband told the switch board that we were gpoing to catch a taxi from outside the terminal because it was obvious that the taxi wasn't going to arrive and that we would expect reimbersing on our return, the switchboard operator said this was fine, so after finding a cash point and haing to withdraw £100 from my credit card we got a taxi home, which we paid £100 for.

When my husband went down to CB's office he was greated with hostility, he asked to speak to the boss who basically told him it was an issue between us and the driver, mothing to do with him. The driver admitted he had forgot to pick us up and was on another job when switchboard called him, he said he got to the airport at 11:35am (2hour and 5 mins late) and refused any refund because 'he got there eventually'. After at hour of arguing the boss and driver offered my husband £35 'to shut him up', which I am sure you will understand he refused.

Where do I go from here? who do I contact to make an offical complaint? Is there any chance of getting our money back ?

Tealeaf · 29-10-2007, 09:46

Ring 'em up again and tell 'em you're going to the Accy Observer with the story. There is nowt like bad publicity for any story. If you don't get the dosh back then, then you need to go to the small claims court, as well as getting them rubbished in the local press.

alan7554 · 29-10-2007, 10:31

go to the taxi licencing dept at cannon street office,accross from the old con club and ask to speak to the person in charge of issueing taxi licences etc, they will investigate it for you,take all paperwork and receipts with you.

spud · 29-10-2007, 11:01

The behavior of CB taxis is once again terrible, what the hell is the boss doing passing the book to the driver? the blame ultimately stays with him being the prop. and all.

If I were you I would ring BOTH local rags, then get down to the license dept. and just wait and see how quick he offers you the full amount back.

Don't let them get away with this as they will only do it again and again.

***Mr D*** · 29-10-2007, 11:50

With the amount of press reading the forum, no doubt they have already seen this story.

Good Luck in getting a Refund, just dont give up.

grego · 29-10-2007, 12:23

I think thats an awful end to your holiday Joanne, I'm with Tealeaf on this, full refund or maximum publicity.

BERNADETTE · 29-10-2007, 12:32

That is terrible hope you get your money back

slinky · 29-10-2007, 14:47

Well That's what ya get for using CB taxi's!!

You should have used Hyndburn cabs

As Alan says, go to the taxi license office down at the council and ask to speak to Mr,Alan Golding. He is good and will probably be able to help you.

It's a disgrace that they think they can treat you like that.

Lilly · 29-10-2007, 15:45

What a shocking tale!

You must be livid. I hope you take the advice offered and end up getting your money back.

WillowTheWhisp · 29-10-2007, 15:49

Stick with it and insist on getting your money back. They are lucky you don't ask for compensation too for leaving you there in the freezing cold.

MargaretR · 29-10-2007, 16:14

As one who sucessfully sued a holiday firm once - a small claims court might well give you ALL your money back

mallard · 29-10-2007, 16:46

Well if that,s the case i would go to the the observer and the web site is Accrington Observer

glasgow guy · 31-10-2007, 18:23

simple...go with a reputable firm ...?bettys ?...
and if it were me I would go out at night with some thinners in squeezy bottle and look for one of their taxis - if I am out of pocket - then so will they...

Mr Aleks · 31-10-2007, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by glasgow guy

simple...go with a reputable firm ...?bettys ?...
and if it were me I would go out at night with some thinners in squeezy bottle and look for one of their taxis - if I am out of pocket - then so will they...

Agreed!! Id never use any taxi firm like that, i refuse to pay the price they cahrge and dont like the way they drive like Narain Karthikeyan, dont bother with seat belts, dont answer you properly and politly and in my eyes dont earn the money they charge. Ive walked home from Ewood Park before instead of paying for a rip off taxi

shillelagh · 31-10-2007, 18:41

I've got 3 taxi firms numbers in my mobile - Kenyon's in Hassy, Bash Cabs and the firm ginger works for. Mainly use Kenyons though. Trust them ive known the owners for roundabout 30 years you cant beat a taxi firm you can trust.