WTF Taxi Cabs

Ok we all know that taxi cab drivers for the most part are slimy business people who are trying to cheat you out of as much money as they can. Remember back in the day with zones when they'd blatantly just make up fares? And whats with the million dollar surcharge they plug into the meter anytime I get in? Well it turns out I live in the least taxi friendly spot possible. As i've experienced over the years when I get in a taxi in DC to go home they either try and trick me into a flat rate fee of 20 bucks (always decline this or get out of the cab) or make me feel bad for having them drive so far and not be able to pick up another fare in VA (due to law) in the hopes i'll give them a bigger tip (this never works on me).

Yesterday I experienced a new Taxi cab annoyance. I landed at DCA and got in line for a taxi. The driver told me "15 dollar flat rate, and I dont take credit cards". Great, I just flew for 5 hours and have no cash, and now this jerkbag is trying to overcharge me for a 10 minute ride? no thanks. I got out and got in the next cab. The problem is that this guy, although he used a meter and agreed to take a credit card, did the thing where he adds all sorts of additional fees to the meter when i got in so in the end this ride ended up being more than 15 bucks. WTF. Not only was this an expensive ride but the driver grumbled the whole way about how it was too short of a ride and I was making him miss bigger fares back at the airport. I couldn't have disliked this taxi driver more. I'd like to say I didn't give him a tip or at least gave him a bad tip, but that's far too mean for me.

So evidently my apt is either too far or too close for any taxi. The one thing i'll say is that when given the choice of taxi drivers, Red Top has much better drivers, a better meter, and an automated credit card reader. Hess Cab on the other hand along with other no name brands suck.