Got Charged $80 on-Top of Fare for "Taxi Cleaning Fee"

[Deactivated] on 18/06/2016 - 01:47
Last edited 18/06/2016 - 09:07 by 1 other user

We were in the Valley (Fortitude Valley, Brisbane) the other night and a friend got rather intoxicated alongside her drink getting spiked. We grabbed the first taxi that would stop and pulled her in (it was a Maxi-Taxi).

She started throwing up, but did so outside of the cab expect for some of it getting on the plastic step-up into the maxi. The taxi driver became rather upset, and we offered him $18-20 for what should've been about a $10-15 ride home to make up for it - not a lot I know, but it's really all we could afford. Not only that, we grabbed a water bottle and washed the step for him, cleaning it with our bare hands to ensure the taxi was clean.

He agreed to $18 but when we arrived home, said that we wanted an $80 cleaning fee on top of the $15 fare for the ride - costing us $95 for what would've been a 15 minute walk home, if our friend wasn't so sick.

One of my mates payed the $95 (which put his account into the negatives) because he didn't want any drama. I was wondering what your thoughts are on this, is what the taxi driver did legal? If I call the taxi company will they refund us the money?

Automotive

closed Comments

  • Tal_Shiar on 18/06/2016 - 02:35
    +1

    Could be a bit out of date, but I'm not from QLD http://mypolice.qld.gov.au/brisbanenorth/2014/08/19/cleaning…

    • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2016 - 10:12

      Thank you! That was just the kind of document I was looking for.

      • Scrooge McDuck on 19/06/2016 - 11:11
        -1

        a friend got rather intoxicated alongside her drink getting spiked.

        Wow, that was bad luck!

        She started throwing up, but did so outside of the cab expect for some of it getting on the plastic step-up into the maxi.

        Do those steps have a particular affinity for stomach contents?

        Not only that, we grabbed a water bottle and washed the step for him, cleaning it with our bare hands to ensure the taxi was clean.

        How nice of you to perform the vomit cleaning duties of the taxi driver!

        He agreed to $18 but when we arrived home, said that we wanted an $80 cleaning fee on top of the $15 fare for the ride

        That's a bit rich! For $80 he might've preferred to clean it himself. And usually the passengers have to pay the taxi driver for the fare, not the other way around.

        One of my mates payed the $95 (which put his account into the negatives) because he didn't want any drama.

        Without any more sayed?

  • Findo on 18/06/2016 - 02:35
    -1

    Well, the money has been paid. I think it's your word against his. Should've stood firm and insisted there was no damage and you refuse to pay. If he doesn't like it, he can call the cops. After all, half the taxis are disgustingly dirty and unroadworthy anyway.

    • OneMoreTune on 19/06/2016 - 14:16

      Exactly! I have no idea how you can possibly be downvoted for your commment.

  • Ash-Say on 18/06/2016 - 04:23
    +1

    Did you pay cash?

    • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2016 - 14:08

      Yes we did.

      • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 19/06/2016 - 07:33
        +15

        So if you paid cash how did your friends account go "into the negatives"

        I think we're only reading one side of the story.

        • gimli on 19/06/2016 - 08:29
          +1

          we're only reading one side of the story.

          +1

        • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2016 - 08:50
          +1

          explain your logic please… some examples of what could have actually happened?
          Sounds like they paid the fare in cash, didn't have $80 cash on them and so the friend paid with a card which is now overdrawn or a credit card..

          But do explain your suspicions and possibilities we aren't being told about…

        • jenkemjunkie on 19/06/2016 - 09:17

          @murphy84:

          Coz like cash is like paper money and coins n shit durrrr

        • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2016 - 15:00

          @murphy84: You're correct, I should've clarified some was in cash and some was on card.

  • Geewhizz on 18/06/2016 - 06:11
    +31

    If your friend puked on /in the car at all it's going to need to be properly cleaned, at least with a bucket of soapy water, not just a splash from a water bottle, and deodorised. The car will be off the road for the time to takes to get somewhere to do this, and to do it.

    A cleaning fee is warranted. I'm guessing it's just a set fee.

      • Ughhh on 18/06/2016 - 10:36
        +15

        The fee is more for loss income rather than paying for soapy water.

      • R3XNebular on 19/06/2016 - 07:14
        +6

        We've only got your side of the story but if there is any vomit in the car it's extremely difficult to clean. A friend vomited in my car and it costed $100 with two trips to the car cleaners. Even then still slightly smelt like vomit.

      • jenkemjunkie on 19/06/2016 - 09:22
        +4

        You're friend musn't have been that bad if you were pontificating over some spew and the monetary value of said spew with the driver.

        Your friends drink was probably not spiked but a lot of people love to come to that conclusion when they can't handle their liquor and proceed to decorate a place with their spew and feel embarrassed about it.

      • Cluster on 19/06/2016 - 13:56

        Most taxis operate at least 18 hours a day. The driver hires the taxi for a day from the head company. Even if it was the driver's last shift of the evening, chances are the taxi would be handed to someone else within a few hours.

  • whooah1979 on 18/06/2016 - 06:27
    +15

    a friend got rather intoxicated alongside her drink getting spiked.

    your friend's drink got spiked and you're worried about the cost of cleaning up after her? are you sure you got your priority straight?

    • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2016 - 10:05
      -1

      Don't worry, we knew exactly what she had been given and no one left her side the entire night. She was our number one priority. I'm a bit insulted you would assume otherwise.

      • whooah1979 on 18/06/2016 - 10:36
        +2

        Don't worry, we knew exactly what she had been given and no one left her side the entire night.

        how could you possible know what was in the roofie? these are cheaply made in unsanitary "labs".

        I'm a bit insulted you would assume otherwise.

        why? this thread should be more about how to report the offender/s that drugged your friend rather than finding a way to stick to the taxi driver. after all, drugging someone is an offence.

        • gimli on 19/06/2016 - 08:24
          +1

          @Swordling:
          ahh swordling…

          … one day you may become a sword

        • jenkemjunkie on 19/06/2016 - 09:23
          +6

          @Swordling:

          Your mate should have got a Centrelink cash advance to cover the stupendous $80 that financially ruined him lol

          Edit: working 40-50 hours a week and you have to wait for next pay check to help your mate out!? Do you work for free?

        • OneMoreTune on 19/06/2016 - 13:21
          +1

          What the actual hell are you on about? Roofies cheaply made in labs? Forgive me but I cannot stop laughing at that comment. That is the dumbest thing I have heard in a long time.
          And yeah mate, the ozbargain community is REALLY going to help with how to report on someone that spiked a drink.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2016 - 15:02

          @jenkemjunkie: I have bills, rent and groceries to pay, as well as just moving in, I've had to buy a washing machine, furniture, etc…

        • jenkemjunkie on 19/06/2016 - 15:12

          @Swordling:

          Sounds like you should have forgone the night out and the allure of $4 base spirits then

        • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2016 - 15:14

          @jenkemjunkie: I had the money to pay for a night out on $4 basics, just not an $80 cleaning fee. I'm entitled to have a night out every once and a while aren't I?

        • jenkemjunkie on 19/06/2016 - 15:57

          @DisabledUser151459:

          As entitled as I am to vomit in your house, and maybe into your new washing machine

      • kyoba on 19/06/2016 - 10:39
        +3

        "You knew exactly what she had"
        Hmmm pulls up monocle to eye. Sounds like you drugged her and all was going to plan until she puked it out. You then proceeded to water down the evidence and ended up over tipping the cabby with hush money! I'm on to you Mr Swordling.

        • xoom on 19/06/2016 - 11:20
          +1

          Bravo mr sherlock. You cracked the case. I tip my hat to you sir.

  • Davros on 18/06/2016 - 06:43
    +30

    Cant afford?
    You have been out all night pouring insanely priced drinks down your throat and you now say you cant afford?
    Sounds like you should have stayed at home with a goon bag.

    • xoom on 18/06/2016 - 07:36
      +1

      Yes. Think of how much more alcomohol they could have bought with $95. All 3 bottles of beer. But but but its an exclusive night club.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2016 - 10:06

      We were out because it was $4 basics, I spent $20-$30 the entire night.

      • Thenarrator on 19/06/2016 - 10:14
        +1

        bullshit

      • xoom on 19/06/2016 - 11:17

        No chance you could have gotten drunk with $30 worth of alcohol with the price they charge for. Unless you are a cheap drunk that is.

        I mean we are talking $5 or $6 for say a corona as an example.

        So the likely story is you drunk more that what you claim.

        • theguyrules on 19/06/2016 - 11:56

          Did you even read the whole comment? $4 basics. ie vodka, scotch, rum and an on-tap mixer for $4 a drink.

          I fondly remember going out on Thursday nights as a uni student and only having to spend $30 on drinks to have a good night.

          But I agree with the comments, just have to suck up the $80 as a price of getting shitfaced in the Valley.

        • OneMoreTune on 19/06/2016 - 13:32

          Mate, I think you need help. Try reading.

        • xoom on 19/06/2016 - 13:44
          -1

          @OneMoreTune:

          Clearly im the one that needs help because im not the one whose finances are in the red because of a night out that turned pear shaped.

          Again. To the op just chalk it down to one of lifes lessons learnt.

        • OneMoreTune on 19/06/2016 - 14:03
          +1

          @xoom: All good, nothing to do with finances. I just hope you know what $4 basics means now.

  • airzone on 18/06/2016 - 08:49

    Back when I was a young lad, it used to be the $50 spew fee. The only way to avoid it was to get out of the taxi and spew outside.

  • KeplersLaws on 18/06/2016 - 09:33
    +15

    so you thought you could give him, at max, $10 additional for compensation for spewing on his car?
    The stench of vomit is intense, even the slightest droplet makes a noxious, putrid gas cloud.
    what if i went up to a Yellow waiting on the kurb, told him, What if I told you, you can get $10 for me vomiting on your car? Would they say yes? Be reasonable here. 'but it's really all we could afford' is a pretty weak argument. move on and gain the experience

    • everypenny on 19/06/2016 - 07:14
      +3

      100 % true..

      $80 is reasonable as it is not just the cleaning fee, but compensation for cleaning the car, down time taken for cleaning and loosing focus.

      So, accept it and move on!

      You wont get your money back - Period!

    • OneMoreTune on 19/06/2016 - 14:37
      -1

      $80 for a couple of droplets, get real

  • Cave Fire on 18/06/2016 - 09:43
    +1

    Like the link in the first post said, you can challenge the cleaning fee if you think it is excessive. They'd be able to look into the cctv of the taxi to see if any cleaning was done. If you paid by eftpos, you will have a taxi number to go by. The victim could also do a report to police re: the drink spiking. If the venue scans I.D's and had cctv over the drink, might be a case they can investigate.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 19/06/2016 - 07:40
      +4

      OP Please don't waste police time by getting them to investigate your idiotic friends taxi spew incident.

  • pao2x on 18/06/2016 - 10:11
    +8

    How about someone spews on your car for 10 bucks? Not very expensive now is it?

    • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2016 - 10:20
      -5

      We were all drunk and that was the first price we offered (which he agreed to by the way, only later changing his mind). I said in the post that I knew it wasn't a lot but he didn't offer us with a more appropriate price or an alternative. You don't need to make out like we are scumbag dicks, we still payed him the $80 but I'm just concerned that fee was way to excessive.

      • FrugalDealHunter on 18/06/2016 - 12:21
        +9

        You are a scumbag dick because you spewed in his car yet make a post about wanting to dispute the cleaning fee charge.

        • tonyjzx on 18/06/2016 - 12:32
          +2

          Yep this^^^

          You know you did something wrong and completely the worst thing you can do in a taxi and yet you want a discount.

          A reasonable person would get the person who spewed to pay the full amount but nah… you get this kind of weak justification.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2016 - 14:02

          I didn't spew in anyones car.

        • [Deactivated] on 18/06/2016 - 14:13

          @tonyjzx: I'm not asking for a discount, because we payed the full fare and a cleaning fee. I'm asking if the cleaning fee was reasonable, let alone legal since we didn't get a receipt or any kind of conformation that the money would be used for that and that was the rate we should be paying. If so then fine, but I'm not going to get pushed around by another taxi-driver, had my fair share of ripoffs and scumbags in Brisbane taxis.

        • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2016 - 08:51

          did you read the original post? Please stfu and read before opening your moronic mouth.

      • gimli on 19/06/2016 - 08:25

        you are the one who made out that you are scumbag

  • branners on 18/06/2016 - 10:58
    +8

    Speaking as an old grey hair, we have all done that, or something similar, in our youth.
    It may not be absolutely fair, but I have told my own kids, life is not absolutely fair.
    Be nice to your pal who paid the fine, give up a couple of nights out to save the $$$ to pay him back, and be thankful that nothing bad happened with the spiked drink.
    The important thing is, everyone got home safe and sound, and it sounds like you have good friends, and are one yourself…

  • FrugalDealHunter on 18/06/2016 - 12:11
    +12

    I'd be pissed if you spewed in my car and offered me an $5 extra for it aswell. Why should the poor taxi driver have to put up with the stench of vomit in his car? I doubt your ability to clean the spew properly when drunk and your judgement is impaired. For all you know, there was spew inside that you didn't see.
    I call bullshit on your friend's drink being spiked. I bet she drank too much and couldn't handle her alcohol.
    Why don't you take responsibility for A) what goes into your body B) your actions.

  • tonyjzx on 18/06/2016 - 12:21
    +2

    Fortitude Valley, figures.

  • bobwokeup on 18/06/2016 - 20:22
    -1

    Another reason to use Uber. I refuse to use taxis unless it is the ONLY option available. You can't trust them (most of them anyway)!!!

    • Spewdog on 19/06/2016 - 08:47
      +2

      Uber cleaning fee is $100.
      Uber driver must take pictures of the "mess" and then send through to the Uber office or whatever. They check it out process a charge to your credit card for $100.
      They also email you with the picutres(worst thing to wake up to when your hung over) and you can challenge the cleaning fee if you believe what ever you are being charged for was not you.

      Seemed like a fair process to me and I honestly thought $100 for spewing in someone's car was fairly low!
      When this has happened to me before in a taxi cost me $150! Whole fair ended being $240.
      Unfortunately my source is my experience.

  • everypenny on 19/06/2016 - 07:08

    i used to be a Taxi driver. It was legally allowed to charge that money for cleaning fee. So calling the cops wouldnt have helped I guess..

    But, we were not supposed to charge unless it involved major cleaning..

    Vomiting is bad though, that too in a car. Although you clean it, the smell stays there for ages..

    Taxi driver was a d1ck to have charged you! Hard luck

    • spriggy on 19/06/2016 - 10:14

      I do not agree that taxi driver was a dick to have charged OP.

      Maxi taxis often cost more. OP has obviously taken a similar route before for cabs and estimate it to be $10-15. However maxi cabs are often more expensive than normal cabs.

      The question for OP is when you agreed to the $18, did that include the cleaning fee as well?

  • Mrgreenz on 19/06/2016 - 08:30
    +1

    If you knew exactly what she was spiked with, you must know who the “spiker“ was. Maybe they should pay.

    How would you know this info though I wonder, you know consensual taking of drugs isn`t the same as being spiked right?

    I feel with the cleaning fee once its paid, especially by cash, I would say its gone. I wouldn`t have paid he full fee if there was no vomit on the inside.

  • belongsinforums on 19/06/2016 - 08:50
    +2

    Your friend damaged the car, and it takes time, effort and money to clean puke from a car. $80 is reasonable and certainly legal for a cleaning fee, even though he "changed his mind". Maybe you could all chip in on the cleaning fee? Or the puker could pay out of her pocket?

  • ankor on 19/06/2016 - 08:50

    Honestly, I hate cabs but offering such a small amount and thinking that splashing the water on the step is pretty bs. I hope your friend is ok.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2016 - 08:54
    +1

    Am I missing something or did the OP say his friend vomited on the sidewalk, with some vomit splashing the footstep on the outside of the vehicle?
    I don't think that constitutes a $100 cleaning fee- or at least it's reasonable for the OP to question it.

  • juventino on 19/06/2016 - 10:08
    +2

    Am I the only one who saw the elephant in the room,

    One of your friends has probably $50 max in his account. You guys went drinking. Top priority you've got there.

  • Thenarrator on 19/06/2016 - 10:17
    -1

    yeah bro, $80 was too much.. should've really been $2 on top, MAX, water is cheap man.. you got ripped bro..

  • AssamLaksa on 19/06/2016 - 10:18
    +4

    maybe he misheard the $18 as $80 that's why he agreed to it in the first place?

    • arcticmonkey on 19/06/2016 - 10:59
      +1

      Lucky he didn't mistake $18 for $1,800!

      • joshykins on 19/06/2016 - 13:58
        +1

        i lolled

    • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2016 - 15:05

      I thought about that, he did have a thick accent so there was probably some communication breakdown.

  • Donaldhump on 19/06/2016 - 11:37

    is a bit dear but you paid it,
    but if you or your mates want to get plastered to the point you/they spew that's the risk you take.
    was her drink really spiked? i'd suggest she take more responsibility and drink less, so she can at least watch her drinks.

    p.s. the extra $2 was an awesome compromise. I love young kids who havent got the cash to pay for taxis, but blow tonnes on poison,

  • aussieprepper on 19/06/2016 - 11:49
    -6

    wow clap clap! You can all criticise them round of applause!

    You are all so perfect!

    • Devils Advocate on 19/06/2016 - 12:03
      +2

      Yeah you're right. If you're not perfect you can't give any feedback….

      Do you recognise the irony of your comment?

    • xoom on 19/06/2016 - 12:06
      +3

      Its not about being perfect. Its about being responsible for your actions. Its about risking something and understanding theres consequences for said action.

      The op risked not having enough for taxi fares. Their companion spewed on taxi. Consequence. They had to pay more for the taxi ride.

      • aussieprepper on 19/06/2016 - 13:24
        +1

        They are young! live and learn!

        No need for people to talk down to them!

        People seemed to have turned a simple question into a big deal I bet most of these same people have made mistakes in the past!

    • Cluster on 19/06/2016 - 14:01

      Ah, the old dichotomy argument: you either have to completely agree with the OP, or you'll be criticized with snide remarks for being 'perfect'.

      People make mistakes. Throwing up in someone else's car is, by all accounts, not a nice thing to do. We only have the OP's word to take for the damage done. Anyone who has thrown up before knows it can be… a messy affair. Just a few drops of butyric acid anywhere in the car will require thorough cleaning to remove the foul smell. $80 is reasonable.

      • aussieprepper on 19/06/2016 - 14:17

        Mate I'm not arguing about the money or price? I'm just saying give the kid a break!
        People are going way of topic!

        People talking trash for no reason. They had money for the taxi home but maybe not enough for the extra charges. He's pay day could of been the next day for all we know.

        When I was young me and my mates went out even if we couldn't afford to part of being young?

        I just don't see why certain people have to be so high and mighty they already learnt the hard way.

  • theguyrules on 19/06/2016 - 12:04
    +4

    While I agree that it sucks, $80 is totally reasonable for having to clean some blotto'd chicks vomit out of the inside of your car.
    Also, I've been a broke uni student before, so I can sympathise, but if none of you could afford to pay $80 without 'going into the negatives' you need to look at whether or not you can afford to go out drinking. Random crap like this happens sometimes and it's important to have some savings to cover it.

  • JelIyfish on 19/06/2016 - 12:09
    +6

    Does 'drink getting spiked' = got drunk?

    If my friend had their drink spiked I'd call an ambulance.

    • xoom on 19/06/2016 - 12:26
      +1

      Id like to hear it from the horses mouth. Paramedics and nurses their take on. 'My drink got spiked'

      I bet you will get the response of having had one too many moreso than of actually having their drinked spike.

      Dont get me wrong. Im not saying it dont happen though.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2016 - 12:27
    +2

    Not happy that you got charged $80?! You should be thankful that he agreed to drop you home.

    There's a group of uni students who live a couple of houses down from us. We are on friendly terms with them. The Mrs once received a call at 3 am, begging her to come pick them up in the city because no taxi driver was willing to let them in their car . They used the same excuse as your friend, that their drinks were spiked. Turned out that at least one of them had 5 too many jager-bombs and had puked all over her and her friends' legs, shoes and hair. Don't ask. They reeked so bad.

  • nickster9999 on 19/06/2016 - 12:45
    +1

    Why should the taxi driver have to clean the spew and vomit?

    Isn't he entitled to take it somewhere to get cleaned?

    He has to pay to get it cleaned + time that the taxi is off the road.

    You would expect the taxi you get into to be free of stray bits of vomit, correct? So too the next passenger he was to pick up.

  • luffyex2010 on 19/06/2016 - 13:46

    Sigh what do you expect when you have decided to drink alcohol drinks. The question here is not asking the opinion of ozbargain if the cab have the right to charge you the money but why do you even want to take a cab when you know there is a high chance or posibility your fren is going to stain the cab. I am not a cabby's fren but its a fact that its their bread and butter.

  • OneMoreTune on 19/06/2016 - 13:50

    It's pretty sad that most people on here are basically calling you a liar and jumping on their high horse.

    If it happened as you said and just a little bit on the step which you washed off, I wouldn't of cared what the taxi driver said I wouldn't have given him a cent. In fact I would have been pretty angry about it.

    But if I was to be like every other a$$hole on here and call you a liar also then I would say if your mate spewed in the car and it was NOT as you said…. for example it was on the window, trims, down the side of the car etc then you definitely deserve to pay the $80.

    IMO though I don't think you would even bother to post here if your friend spewed in the car, so I believe you.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/06/2016 - 15:11

      Thank you, I wouldn't come on here and make up a story and lie, it's not like I can use this OzBargain thread as evidence to fight the fee. I've decided to just leave it, but yes it was only a little bit on the plastic step of the car, nothing on the carpet or seats, nothing on the outside of the car or doors, we held her outside of the taxi (and when we arrived home, pulled her straight out to avoid any more damage) and most of it got on the sidewalk. She was also a small girl, so not a lot came out of her.

      A lot of people just ignored my main question of whether what he did was legal and reasonable, I'm a little upset that I've been called an (profanity) on her for just asking a simple question. I understand what we did wasn't acceptable but in some cases its unavoidable - which is why I got on my hands and knees and tried to clean the car before even negotiating a damage fee. Honestly, wouldn't be a problem if I had been given some sort of document or just been shown something that states theres an $80 cleaning fee. It seems silly to me that something doesn't exist because I can't imagine we were the first people to have someone throw up in a taxi.

      • xoom on 19/06/2016 - 15:30

        The thing they are questioning you on is wether your friends drink was spiked as you claimed. Because if that were the case you should have called an ambulance and report it to the cops as another poster mentioned.

        There is spew on the taxi. Thats not in question. The taxi will now have to be garaged (taken off the road) and cleaned. So i can imagine someone has to pay to get it cleaned. Do i think the $80 is legal. Cant answer that. Do i think its reasonable. I think so.

        Going back to you saying your friends drink was spiked. You then go on to claim to know what she had. This why its likely you didnt call the cops or an ambulance. So in all this the thing to take away from this is. Dont take a taxi if your friends drink is spiked. Call an ambulance.

        If you do decide to take a taxi and you or your friend spew on it. You will get pinged for it.

  • joshykins on 19/06/2016 - 14:00

    this is a great thread. true colours of ozbargainers show when we have poor patrons vs hardworking taxi driver. such a financial dilemma!

  • BobbyJ on 19/06/2016 - 14:09

    Quick Question…this may offend people but I'm only after an explanation.
    OP says his friend's account was put into the negatives because of an unexpected $95 payment. I want to know why people would go out and drink (possibly spending $50 in a night) if they can't afford $95. Don't mean to offend anyone but just want to know why someone would do that..

    • xoom on 19/06/2016 - 14:22

      Shhh. Dont go asking that. Apparently thats like getting on your high horse. ☺

  • nahi11 on 19/06/2016 - 15:16
    +1

    Lol you don't have people's sympathy OP. Grow up.

  • therooftop on 19/06/2016 - 15:55

    "Charge it to experience" like my dad always tells me.

  • nultma on 19/06/2016 - 16:23

    Your friend can afford to go out but spending $80 would put their account into negatives? Not only that, but after your friends drink was 'spiked' with who knows what, you didn't take her somewhere for medical attention, you decided to play doctor on your own….what?

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join