Would you ever say this stepping into a taxi?

Resverathrole

If you weren't familiar with the area, as a bluff could you say "take me to such and such a place, and I know the city so go the shortest route".

I just hate that feeling when you can sense you're being taken the long way, and yet you know they still expect a tip off you.

Signore Fancy Pants

Is the taxi drivers back to you?

Dont you just hate that!

I have had to question the route while en route, and usually that's enough to get them to apologise and take the shortest route. I've never started out assuming they wouldn't, though!

Dated an English guy for a few years and experienced it a lot more when I let him state the destination.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

Is your sister driving? And she could be taking the long shortcut.

eurokev

No but it they deviated in any way from the obvious route I'd say it straight away

dulux99

Saying "I know the city" automatically insinuates that you think the taxi driver is out to catch you. You sound like a knob if you say that.

have to say that my experience is that if theres a few routes, he'll either ask you or if he chooses one specifically he'll tell you why.

most taxi ripoff stories are about as reliable as most "homeless with 7 kids" stories

Resverathrole

Stevie Skinny Dot wrote: »

Is your sister driving? And she could be taking the long shortcut.

throll

r93kaey5p2izun

Never had a driver try to take a longer route. There are three routes from my job to my house. Two the same distance, one a little shorter but prone to traffic at certain times. Most drivers ask which route I want straight away, if they don't and it's a busy time I usually state which route I'd prefer to avoid traffic "Can we go by X road please, thanks". No problems. No need for such drama.

Arghus

Are you on long tonight?

Resverathrole

Mr.S wrote: »

It’s a pretty rude and arrogant way of saying it, why say it like that?

It's an effective way of saying "we're not friends, just drive me to where I ask, and don't flatter me expecting a tip."

I can picture Gene Hackman saying it in a movie.

Mr.S wrote: »

If you want a specific route, just say that. Chances are the driver knows the traffic better then you though.

The changes are the driver is trying to take advantage of an innocent abroad

cantdecide

I just don't have the energy to be offended.

Resverathrole

Brentley Damp Ranger wrote: »

Never had a driver try to take a longer route. There are three routes from my job to my house. Two the same distance, one a little shorter but prone to traffic at certain times. Most drivers ask which route I want straight away, if they don't and it's a busy time I usually state which route I'd prefer to avoid traffic "Can we go by X road please, thanks". No problems. No need for such drama.

That's different if you know the area. But if you don't, then what I'm suggesting is a bluff.

r93kaey5p2izun

Resverathrole wrote: »

That's different if you know the area. But if you don't, then what I'm suggesting is a bluff.

None of my past experiences with Irish taxi drivers make me feel this sort of bluff would be necessary.

Resverathrole

Brentley Damp Ranger wrote: »

None of my past experiences with Irish taxi drivers make me feel this sort of bluff would be necessary.

Just the Chinese fellas in San Francisco then.

Is there a thread for weird taxi experiences? If not we should have one.

I got into a taxi in Swords once and asked for the airport. The taxi driver goes "Does this look real to you?" I glance over and the taxi driver is holding what looks like a Walther PPK handgun. The type James Bond favours(Though I don't understand why, its a horrible gun to fire). Anyway, he's pointing it at me, then ejects the clip, and then puts the clip back in. My mouth is open and I'm frozen in shock. He then goes "Its good isn't it?" and throws it to me. Its plastic. "Some kid left it in the car. I thought I could use it to scare a client if they get difficult some night. Airport was it?". Me: Nuhhuun, yeah..

If you want a specific route, ask for that route or mention the road number. Otherwise, in most cases, the taxi driver probably knows the best route. Where possible avoid motorways because then it gets pricey very quickly.