Question of the Day - 19 December 2017

This practice is known as “long-hauling” and we’ve written about it from time to time over the years, both in the Advisor and Question of the Day.

If you know about it in advance, it’s easy to prevent, simply by asking the driver, “What route are you planning to take?”

From Bally’s to the airport, the fastest and least expensive route is to drive a mile or so east on Flamingo, a mile or so south on Paradise, and you’re there. Any driver who long-hauls you on that trip through the tunnel definitely needs to be reported.

The way to do that is to contact the state Taxicab Authority, whose commissioners are appointed by the governor. TA officers are full-fledged state troopers and one of their mandates is to protect you, the passenger. They control every phase of the industry, from the meter to the receipt.

If, for any reason, you feel that your driver is being unsafe or trying to take advantage of you, get his permit-identification number (in red on the permit) and call the TA at the number posted (702-486-6532). They're open 24/7 hours and will respond to your call. 

You can also ask the driver for the name and number of his cab-company supervisor.

If you can't or don't want to complain in front of your driver, you can go to the TA website and fill out/submit an affidavit. Information you'll need will include your name, date, time, place, and description of the incident, cab company, and cab number. It's very helpful to the investigating officer if you also note the driver's name and TA permit number and provide a physical description. If you have the names and phone numbers of any witnesses, those are welcome. 

Oftentimes, just taking down all the above information and threatening to call the Taxicab Authority or a company supervisor will convince the cab driver to settle with you for less than what the meter shows, or even for no money at all. It will solely be to avoid the TA or the company getting involved, which will give him a black mark on his record, or worse.

But here are a few other things to keep in mind.

If a cabbie starts to long-haul you, but you get him to change to the proper route, there’s no sanction for the driver.

If a cabbie does long-haul you and you complain at the destination, he can simply refuse to charge you anything; that way, he isn’t guilty of any offense -- not having overcharged you for the ride.

The only way the Taxicab Authority can take a complaint against a driver is if you get long-hauled, then pay, then later complain. But you don’t get your money back until after an investigation by the TA.