Austin cabbies are the worst. As a local, stuff like carrying luggage isn't relevant to me. I don't even care if they're polite — just get me from point A to point B for a reasonable price and we're cool.

But, no. They can't do that.

I'd lived here ~10 years before I found out it's illegal for an on-duty cab to deny you service because of where you're going or to haggle price. I had always negotiated with cabbies for a ride here. In my experience it was standard practice. I'd never questioned it.

Eventually, I read an article about Uber coming to Austin and several taxi reps were quoted denying that cabbies refuse service. Holy shit what a big fat lie!

Just as examples . . .

On New Year's Eve I wanted to go from 6th Street to Hickory Drive off Stassney, which according to Google maps is 7.5 miles and a 13 minute drive. After negotiations, it cost me $150. Basically, I was extorted.

Once, I scheduled a pick up online, days ahead of time, to go from my house to the airport. No one showed so, I called.

Actual conversation with taxi service rep:

Me: You guys were supposed to be here 15 minutes ago. Does the driver need directions?

Rep: <already completely exasperated as if I was taking up her precious time> We don't usually make airport runs on weekdays.

Me: Okay . . . but, I scheduled it online and no one called to tell me this.

Cab rep: <sigh> I'm trying to find someone now. But, we don't normally do this.

Me: I have a flight!

Cap rep: Hey, I'm trying to do you favor here! I can get someone there in 45 minutes. Take it or leave it.

Me: <click>

I travel a lot and I hate to drive so I usually fly in to wherever and take cabs. I've never seen anything like the Austin taxi services. I can't speak on the higher end services, but Lone Star, Yellow Cab and Austin cab can bite my ass. I see on Yelp there's a Shire Cab service now that's gotten good reviews, but I'm unfamiliar with those guys. Maybe they're new? I don't know, but I'll call them next time.