Taxi driver.
Getty Images
Unfortunately, the problem of taxi drivers making the meter run fast is very common. It's one of the top scams in India. I vividly remember the first time I encountered it, in Kolkata. The numbers on the meter were flying so fast. The taxi driver was actually reaching down and yanking on a wire to make it happen. I didn't say anything until I'd reached my destination. Then, I confronted him. Fortunately, I knew the correct fare, and after much shouting I paid him that and not what was shown on the meter.
Typically if challenged, the driver will feign innocence and ignorance. Some even act shocked that they're being accused of such a scam, when not a single passenger has said anything since the morning and/or they don't drive the cab everyday, and so have no idea about the meter.
What's the solution?
Indranil, a taxi-veteran friend of mine from Kolkata, offered a non confrontational approach that he's successfully used over the last 15 years.
He says:
I typically start off with a question in a bit of a gruff voice, with my eyes shifting between the driver and the meter, "Do you or do you not drive this taxi everyday?" This typically catches them on the wrong foot. Except for a very few hard cases who choose to argue, the rest are quick to catch on and reply, "No sir/dada, I do not drive this cab, just got it this morning!" Followed by a, "Why sir?" Of course, I play along saying, "Tell your cab owner that he is cheating passengers, the meter is way off! You are not a cheat are you? So, why do you let the owner make you a thief?" The cabbie typically comes back with, "Sir, you pay what ever you pay usually..., " and at this point will start muttering about the unscrupulous owner of the cab. I continue the charade with him until we reach my destination and pay what is supposed to be the regular fare, muttering about what the world is coming to. The cabbie in all likelihood will say, "Sir, I'm taking the car to the garage to get the meter tested immediately."
I love the idea, and am going to try it myself next time a taxi driver tries to cheat me!
Does anyone else want to share their strategies for dealing with problematic taxi drivers?
More About Scams in India:
So our friend Indranil would appear to a cabbie to be a typical Bengali……… always finding a way to trick an expectant worker out of his fair share of an extra buck ?
No, but seriously – everywhere in the world, you overpay until you get your bearings right.
In the US most egregiously ! I remember that it was very hard to find drinking water bottles that didn’t cost 4/5 bucks until you got out of the airport. And then you’d be nickled and dimed everywhere until you found the safe routes.
It’s an industry everywhere in the world ! Why are we complaining ? It’s a fair price for an unfamiliar experience
Lol, are you not a typical Bengali, Mr Dutta?
A fair price for an unfamiliar experience… interesting way of looking at it!
better to take bus.