Quote
Originally posted by: rkorbyl
There's no doubt it's a scam. I have shared this story before, but I will do it again. I was in a long line at the Strat many years back and I was watching the "Loaders" put patrons into cabs. I then noticed a pattern. If somebody did not tip, the loader slapped the top of the cab twice. If the patron did tip, he did slapped it once. Now, I thought this was a coincidence, but after watching for about 10 mins (... yes, the cab line was super long). It appeared that this form of communication was being used by all loaders. ----- By the way, the money these Loaders were taking in was INCREDIBLE! Now I know why it such a coveted gig.
So, when I got into the cab and I choose not tip. Of course, there were 2 slaps on the roof of the cab. I was going to The Golden Nugget and hence I was quite familiar with the shortest way. Well, the cabbie choose to take some back-ass way through the rough part behind the Strat. I then asked him firstly, why are we taking this way. He responded with "... this is the fastest". Well, I quickly responded with "... Main Street would have been the fastest and I believe you are long hauling me". Then I asked him about the 2 slaps on the cab roof. He was simply stunned as if I almost secretly discovered the Mason's secret handshake. While he did not deny or agree with my theory, his body language told the story.
Yet.... another reason to rent a car.
A knowledgable taxi rider need not fear these issues.
Get in the cab, have an idea of the good route, find a way to show the driver you know your way around, and you'll be fine.
BTW, on some busy nights, taking those crummy streets behind the Strat for a couple blocks until you can get onto Main Street can be a good idea.
