Use Caution In Florida!

[Anne Campbell]

Here's my report on a dreadful experience I had last weekend in
Ft. Lauderdale.

At the pier, we were picked up with your luggage by a taxi from Yellow Cab Co. Two of us were traveling on different airlines, and when we pulled up to the first terminal (Continental) the driver said the cost of the ride was $15. This is nuts -- we've made this ride dozens of time, and know it runs around $7.50. Furthermore, the driver didn't have the meter running, which is against the law in Florida.

My friend got out of the car to get a policeman. Suddenly, the driver closed all the locks and stepped on the gas as we careened out of the terminal. I screamed "help" out of the window, until that was shut by the driver as well.

I told him to take me to a police officer. He said, "lady, I'll take you somewhere else, and you will have big problems, if you don't give me what I want." I suddenly realized that this Florida and everyone carries guns. There was no hack license, name or photo inside the car. I threw money at him, he slammed on the brakes, threw my suitcase in the road, and sped off. I called the police who said what he did is a misdomenor and a civil matter. They did file a report. At least I had his license number.

Hey, I've lived in New York City for 25 years, take more taxis than anyone I know, and have never had a problem. I've read stories about this kind of thing happening in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, so my situation is hardly unique. I urge you to take the cruise line airport shuttle whenever possible. And, never get in a cab without confirming the driver's name and license is displayed, that he intends to use the meter. And, be very, very careful.

Anne Campbell
Editor, CruiseMates

Anne ,
How terrible for you. Thank God you were not hurt, this world of ours is sure getting to be a scary place. We will be in Ft. Lauderdale in Feb. and we will be using the shuttles for sure now, we had thought a taxi would be better, but not now. Thanks for sharing.
Vicki

We have often used the cabs between airport and ships in Ft. Lauderdale and occassionally the driver did not turn on the meter and we requested he did before starting out. Since you got the license number, I would file a complaint with the Ft. Lauderdale or Broward county taxi commission as well as Yellow Cab Company. The least that should happen to that driver is he should be fired. I have problems with the airport shuttle bus as follows: They charge $12. PER PERSON, (a cab is less than $10.) You have to wait until the bus is full and all the luggage stowed, by that time a cab would have you at the airport or ship.