In Reply to: taxis posted by stormy on Sunday, 12. November 2006 at 11:28 Bali Time:
We have been in the industy for a few years, just retired actually and I promise you it isn't the drivers being lazy!!!
The thing is, as you will know, WA is booming and the population is exploding making it pretty much an uphill battle for the taxi industry to keep up. More plates have been issued also peak period plates ready for Xmas/new year. The problem is at it's worst on Friday/Saturday nights with the night club scene also booming. Trust me any driver out there would rather be at the airport picking up travellers than in Northbridge picking up drunks/druggies who may vomit in your car or attack you for your money or if they had to wait a while kick in the panels of your car. It's just that getting to the airport without being hailed or given a radio job is getting a bit tricky!!
Another problem is that there isn't an endless supply of drivers because there are so many unskilled vacancies up north that pay better and don't involve being vomited on or bashed etc etc.
Sorry but it's a bit of a no win situation for the drivers and the passengers waiting at the airport. I know that many times I've arrived to pick up somebody who has been waiting too long(and that is undesirable I know) only to be verbally abused about the delay when I was the one who went out of my way to go for them.