PHL cabs
Oct 20, 2008 | 3:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,771
PHL cabs
I've started a job that has me coming to PHL fairly often. Why do the cabbies instantly ask you when you get in if you're paying cash or credit? Why does it matter to them? Is there a surcharge for credit (my understanding is that MC/Visa/Amex forbid this)?
Oct 20, 2008 | 6:59 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: MSY
Programs: BA GfL
Posts: 6,057
AFAIK there is no surcharge, but my understanding is that the cab driver ends up eating the credit card fee (3% or whatever it is). There was a big hoo-ha about this when the credit card machines went in, and a drivers' strike if I recall correctly. I'm not sure why they want to know about it up front, unless maybe they want to know how far out of the way they should be driving to make up the fare 
Oct 20, 2008 | 7:20 pm
#3
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 413
If they ask, or I mention that I am paying with credit right away, they generally will offer to run the card before I get to my destination. Since the airport to town trip is a flat rate, I can have my card approved and a receipt in my hand before the cab gets to my door. Saves me and the driver some time.
Of course, this doesn't stop them from rolling their eyes at you when you say you're paying with credit.
Here is a story on the strike last year, it was not just about credit cards.
http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelp...3/daily14.html
Of course, this doesn't stop them from rolling their eyes at you when you say you're paying with credit.
Here is a story on the strike last year, it was not just about credit cards.
http://www.bizjournals.com/philadelp...3/daily14.html
Oct 21, 2008 | 9:04 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2007
Location: USA
Programs: Delta Skymiles
Posts: 177
There is no surcharge...but I've been booted from a cab or 2...before I got in, when I said I'd be paying with credit. I believe it takes a while for them to get paid from the merchant company.
May 3, 2009 | 9:03 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: MCI
Programs: UA Plat, Million Miler; Starbucks Reserve
Posts: 281
This is actually against the law. They MUST accept your credit card. If they tell you they won't accept the card, you can report them by calling the city number that is plastered all over the cab. And if the credit card machine is broken, as they may try to claim, the cab must be out of service.
Here's how I deal with it. I tell them I am paying with a credit card and plan to give them a good tip. If they complain about the credit card (and at least half of them do), I reduce or eliminate the tip. And I call the customer service number.
Here's how I deal with it. I tell them I am paying with a credit card and plan to give them a good tip. If they complain about the credit card (and at least half of them do), I reduce or eliminate the tip. And I call the customer service number.
May 4, 2009 | 9:30 am
#6
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Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Bryn Mawr PA & Wailea HI
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I have been ripped off more worldwide by cabbies more than any other job classifcation I know of. They like to deal in cash for the obvious reasons. PTSBrian gives nice and accurate advice above. I modify it slightly by giving a zero tip when someone fries to rip me off and I suggest everyone do the same.
MisterNice
MisterNice