When I schedule a cab, I expect the cab to arrive promptly at the appointed time and place. For example, if I’m flying out of O’Hare, the cab will be scheduled to pull into my driveway at a specific time beforehand. Based on my experience yesterday, this is a foreign concept to NorShore Cab.
Eight hours in advance, I knew that I’d need a cab at a Metra station at a specific time. The dispatcher said they serve my town, but I couldn’t schedule a cab that far in advance. I should call again after boarding my train. Hours later, I called from that train, but was told I couldn’t schedule a cab at all. Instead I needed to call back when I arrived at the station -- the dispatcher explained that cabs arrive swiftly and can't be expected to sit around and wait. I protested, saying that my train would arrive in just 20 minutes, and surely a little advance notice for the driver wouldn’t hurt -- but the dispatcher said no. So, when I arrived at the station I called for a third time. The dispatcher took my info, and announced that the cab would arrive in about -- 20 MINUTES!
Mentally, I asked – You imbeciles have known for 8 hours exactly where and when I needed a cab, so why are you making me wait? Don’t you know that people schedule cabs to avoid waiting and uncertainty? Why should I pound sand for 20 minutes if I could nearly walk home in that time?
But I didn’t say any of that. I just said no thanks and walked home, lesson learned.
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