OK not to tip cab?

[Anonymous]

I got in a cab at about noon and it was sweltering inside, like it had been sitting in the sun with the windows rolled up. I asked the driver to turn on the A/C and gave him my destination, and he told me the a/c was on. After a minute or two it was clear the a/c was not working, and I'm sitting in this oven with the windows rolled up, sweating. So when it came time to pay, I rounded up to the nearest dollar. He asked if I wanted the 25 cents change, which I thought was pretty clever. I told him that I wasn't paying extra to sit in an oven.

Was I right or was I a jerk?

[Anonymous]

Why didn't you roll down your window?

[Anonymous]

I did, but we were only making it a block or two at a time between lights and it didn't make any difference.

[Anonymous]

I should also say that I make a point of tipping extra when I get into a cab during summer and it's already cool because the a/c is already on. I don't begrudge cabbies who leave it off between passengers to save gas, but it had better work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I got in a cab at about noon and it was sweltering inside, like it had been sitting in the sun with the windows rolled up. I asked the driver to turn on the A/C and gave him my destination, and he told me the a/c was on. After a minute or two it was clear the a/c was not working, and I'm sitting in this oven with the windows rolled up, sweating. So when it came time to pay, I rounded up to the nearest dollar. He asked if I wanted the 25 cents change, which I thought was pretty clever. I told him that I wasn't paying extra to sit in an oven.

Was I right or was I a jerk?

I would, and have, said yes, I want the $0.25 in a similar situation. If a cab driver doesn't turn on the AC, take the route I request, or if it's apparent that he's driving in such a way to run up the fare, I pay the exact amount. I'm even less tolerant given the recent fare increases passed by the DC Taxi Commission, and the never-ending gas "surcharge" it continually imposes.

[Anonymous]

I think you're totally right. In my book, if the cab is a piece of crap - if the a/c isn't working, the seat belts don't function, the windows don't work, the interior is filthy - it merits no tipping. DC cab drivers just got a nice raise, and it is inexcusable that most cabs in this city are gross, dangerous, or uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

I only tip if the cab drivers make some sort of an effort to be pleasant--ask if the temp is ok, smile, say hi, whatever.

So, yes, it was fine.

[Anonymous]

Of course it's ok not to tip! I think most people in the service industry are just a little too used to the tips. All you are required to pay them is the fare. If they go an extra mile, they should get a tip. Being a smart ass is not going an extra mile. I would have said "yes, I do need the $.25." Screw him!

[Anonymous]

I would probably still tip in that situation, like I tipped the cabbie yesterday even though he said he could take credit cards when I got in the cab at BWI and then his card reader was mysteriously broken by the time that he dropped me off.

The only time I can remember just not tipping was a cabbie who ignored my specific directions and ran up the meter to $15 on a $10 fare (which I knew was $10 because I was going back and forth every day to visit my baby at the hospital). He got a lecture about being a cheater, and I should have reported him but I was such a wreck that I couldn't be bothered. Having lived in a number of American cities, I have to say that I've had more bad experiences here than anywhere else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would probably still tip in that situation, like I tipped the cabbie yesterday even though he said he could take credit cards when I got in the cab at BWI and then his card reader was mysteriously broken by the time that he dropped me off.

The only time I can remember just not tipping was a cabbie who ignored my specific directions and ran up the meter to $15 on a $10 fare (which I knew was $10 because I was going back and forth every day to visit my baby at the hospital). He got a lecture about being a cheater, and I should have reported him but I was such a wreck that I couldn't be bothered. Having lived in a number of American cities, I have to say that I've had more bad experiences here than anywhere else.

Then why the hell would you tip. It's not like he isn't getting paid. He charged a fare. A tip is for exceptional service which he did not provide!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would probably still tip in that situation, like I tipped the cabbie yesterday even though he said he could take credit cards when I got in the cab at BWI and then his card reader was mysteriously broken by the time that he dropped me off.

The only time I can remember just not tipping was a cabbie who ignored my specific directions and ran up the meter to $15 on a $10 fare (which I knew was $10 because I was going back and forth every day to visit my baby at the hospital). He got a lecture about being a cheater, and I should have reported him but I was such a wreck that I couldn't be bothered. Having lived in a number of American cities, I have to say that I've had more bad experiences here than anywhere else.

Then why the hell would you tip. It's not like he isn't getting paid. He charged a fare. A tip is for exceptional service which he did not provide!

Honest question here, why is it ok to withhold tip for cabbie, but not a rude or incompetent waiter? I've heard you must tip wait staff no matter what.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would probably still tip in that situation, like I tipped the cabbie yesterday even though he said he could take credit cards when I got in the cab at BWI and then his card reader was mysteriously broken by the time that he dropped me off.

The only time I can remember just not tipping was a cabbie who ignored my specific directions and ran up the meter to $15 on a $10 fare (which I knew was $10 because I was going back and forth every day to visit my baby at the hospital). He got a lecture about being a cheater, and I should have reported him but I was such a wreck that I couldn't be bothered. Having lived in a number of American cities, I have to say that I've had more bad experiences here than anywhere else.

Then why the hell would you tip. It's not like he isn't getting paid. He charged a fare. A tip is for exceptional service which he did not provide!

Honest question here, why is it ok to withhold tip for cabbie, but not a rude or incompetent waiter? I've heard you must tip wait staff no matter what.

because waitstaff are paid $3/hour.

[Anonymous]

I was in NYC last week and the guy wouldn't put on the air. I didn't want to tip but the bill was something like $17.50 and I wasn't going to wait around for him to make change from a $20. It did feel like a furnance in the car...even with the windows rolled down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was in NYC last week and the guy wouldn't put on the air. I didn't want to tip but the bill was something like $17.50 and I wasn't going to wait around for him to make change from a $20. It did feel like a furnance in the car...even with the windows rolled down.

When DH and I go to NYC, we just walk and take the subway as much as possible. Some cab drivers are great, but I've sat in too many gross cabs and been driven by too many terrible cab drivers.

So OP, I have no problem with not tipping in your situation. Clearly, I've been so irritated that I've stopped taking cabs whenever possible (thereby sidestepping the issue - yay conflict avoidance).

[Anonymous]

In the US, tips for certain kinds of workers (I include cabbies in this category) are for service, not for exceptional service.