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Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - peter shepherd (9th Jan 2012 - 16:00:17) What are peoples thoughts of having a monopoly situation with only one taxi firm allowed to operate from Liphook station? It surely compromises levels of service, if there is no alternative service!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - steve wilson (9th Jan 2012 - 17:42:02) that apple cars are crap !!! its hard work getting them to do anything hope we get somone new sooooon !!!!!!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - iwik61 (9th Jan 2012 - 18:43:19) Shouldnt try and rehash that one again ,you only posted this last year.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Peter shepherd (9th Jan 2012 - 20:57:01) I might well have done,but here we are still stuck with A firm no one has a good word for!!!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - helen (9th Jan 2012 - 23:40:55) I believe that it is the network operator who own Liphook station making this choice so what could we do anyway?

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - P Weyland (10th Jan 2012 - 08:29:54) Find out from SWT if there is a service level that has to be met. Then provide evidence that the service level isnt being met.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Dawn Hoskins (10th Jan 2012 - 13:21:16) I have been using the bus to get home. the 13 timetable changed a bit in October and it now leaves the Station at 3:15 4:05 5:45 6:45 7:20

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Gaffer (13th Jan 2012 - 23:10:10) Whatever the out come of this may be i must say that after only dealing with Apple cabs on one occassion it turned out to be one of the most rude and disgusting use of of language i had ever experienced. Someone asked me one day to call them a taxi from my establishment so i obliged by doing this, normally i use the other 2 taxi services as i had always been warned away from apple but for one reason or another i called them, booked a taxi and the person left for the taxi which had ordered him to meet at a completely different venue to where it was ordered from (taxis come to you do they not???) anyway this person left for their taxi and i thought nothing of it. 20 minutes later i recieved a phonecall from a lady going absolutely mental down the phone to me, without her taking breath and using obscenities i wouldn't even like to hear at a Frankie Boyle stand up gig i managed to work out that her point was this person had not paid for their taxi, (surely the police are the people to ring not me!) i understand this must be very frustrating and would normally sympathise and help get to the bottom of the problem but after feeling like i was having the blame laid on me i decided i didn't want to help and therefore will never use this firm in any circumstance again!! I hope they will be removed from Liphook as if i'm ever at the station, even if its pouring with rain i would rather walk than use a so called service which has such a rude, person working for them. For the record if a taxi firm dropped someone at my place of work and that person came and used/stole anything from me, would i call the taxi firm who dropped them off and blame them??? I think not!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Peter shepherd (17th Jan 2012 - 03:57:29) It is my understanding that Liphook station is the only station in the country,where one taxi firm has sole rights to stand.S.W.T refuse to listen to my concerns over the current set up! But what do you really expect from an organisation,that after paying nearly 4 grand for an annual season ticket, they often think it's a good idea for you to stand all the way to Waterloo!!!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Robin Lock (17th Jan 2012 - 19:18:08) well Apple cabs are not what i would call good !!! my father is Disabled he can only walk a few yards !!! we had to go on the train to london to hosp !!! when we got back to Liphook went in the office to get a taxi & the lady said she could not fit it in she had to go to bramshott dad lives on the way to bramshott said this !! she said tuff !!! thats great service !!!!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - RITA (17th Jan 2012 - 23:46:21) A couple of years back my family and i used apple to take us to a christmas eve party. Big mistake! She turned up to pick us up an hour early before the party had finished. We had also booked her for new years eve for 12.30 to take us home. On the way there she then told us we had to come home at 10.30 as she had another job so it was not worth going so we then went back home. She blamed my dad and would not admit that she had double booked us. (we had booked in advance) why they are still in business is a mystry to me. She did not swear at us but have heard her going at other people when i have used the station. She would put roy chubby brown to shame with her colourfull words!!!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - iwik61 (18th Jan 2012 - 07:59:34) was this forum set up as a community forum or as a personal bugle so certain businesses can feather their own nests, please note mr editor. It is clear that Mr Shepherd is trying to get another taxi firm to be able to trade from the station. But in the current economic climate more competition should be encouraged. Few people support the monopoly granted to the current cab company.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - iwik61 (18th Jan 2012 - 10:54:44) Surely Mr Shepard should go thru the proper channels as we all have to do ,not by a public slanging match,

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - P Weyland (18th Jan 2012 - 12:20:13) Well it would be a slanging match if someone had a good work to say about them!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - peter shepherd (18th Jan 2012 - 13:08:24) Dear iwiki61 I have corresponded to East Hants Council and S.W.T for over 5 years on the above matter,so I have gone through the "Proper Channels". And on the point of "Feathering my own nest".Just sometimes not everyones soul purpose in life is money!,I may be a bit old fashioned,but I do think people should have a choice of taxi's,especially when the current monoply is recieving such mixed reviews Many regards Peter Shepherd

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Barry (18th Jan 2012 - 13:13:38) iwik61 who are you and why are you defending Apple Cabs? If you are defending them please justify this by producing 1 previous customer that was satisfied by their service or has anything positive to say about them. I had a couple of nasty experiences with them when i first moved to the village and i will never use them again, id rather walk. Peter - I am not sure which cab company you are associated with but what is the views of the other cab companies like Courtesy Cars and Liphook cabs etc?

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - peter shepherd (18th Jan 2012 - 14:34:42) Barry I own Courtesy Cabs, I think you only have to look at the above replies to see what type of service is offered by Apple!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Diane (18th Jan 2012 - 15:45:46) Complaints regarding any Taxi's or Private Hire cars should be directed to the council, giving the badge number of the driver and the car number and the Firm. All cars and drivers have to have a licience from the council. Firms also have to have an operators licience. The council are duty bound to investigate any complaints.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - iwik61 (18th Jan 2012 - 15:48:36) BARRY Emily lynch wrote on the 29 october that she was more than pleased with the service on the last time that mr shepherd tried to bring this subject up again.Do your research

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Chrissy (18th Jan 2012 - 15:54:14) I think you have got it wrong Peter when you say \"the current monoply is recieving such mixed reviews\" - the only reviews I have ever seen about the current cab company who are resident at the station areTERRIBLE reviews, and I say to you ikiwi61, are you associated to Apple Cars by any chance??? Pat on the back for Peter for striving to give Liphook residents a cab service that they want, need and can be proud of. I have only had the need to use a local cab service twice and both times we had excellent service - on time, courteous, helplful, pleasant friendly and reasonable rates. I think it was Courtesy Cars we used both times. Well done Peter, for persevering all this time in order to give us all a choice.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - iwik61 (18th Jan 2012 - 16:24:12) i have no association or any connection to apple cabs just an outsider who thinks that a forum is not a public gallows or a dirty washing line to spout off the rgihts or wrongs of certain bussiness

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Barry (18th Jan 2012 - 17:01:24) iwik61 - there is no question in my mind that you are either associated with Apple Cabs or you have never used Apple Cabs before. If the latter then I suggest you try the Apple Cabs experience and then give us your opinions then. Peter I only use Courtesy cabs now, really happy with them.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - iwik61 (18th Jan 2012 - 18:52:58) If i had any concerns i will not spout it on a open forum rather i would take it up with the bussiness concerned which i have done before .As i have reiterated before this is not the place to enter a slanging match,rather face to face than at the end of a keyboard.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - steve wilson (19th Jan 2012 - 00:00:51) Hi this is not a slanging match its the truth so y are u so happy with them ??? how much they paying u ???? thats whet it looks like !!!!!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - iwik61 (19th Jan 2012 - 08:46:51) Steve wilson should have a look on previous threads ,as i have never supported or condemned these bussinesses .I am out now from this topic my veiws are that my personal veiws and only that mind you i do take paypal ,visa or debit cards .MOVE ON.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Gaffer (19th Jan 2012 - 17:28:35) iwik, i think if you look back through nearly all previous threads it always turns in to some sort of criticism column. this being a community website i believe you are free to air your views on anything in the area. (councillors are doing it all the time!!)

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - sinoevil (19th Jan 2012 - 18:33:25) While everybody agrees that the present taxi service at the Station is far from satisfactory, it is wrong for somebody with a vested interest in getting his own taxi business into the scene to present himself as "concerned" in order to stir up the pot, His real interest is taking over the taxi business himself. Nothing wrong with competition, but lets got about it in a fair and decent manner.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Paul (19th Jan 2012 - 19:19:40) @sinoevil - completely agree, well said. Why not have more than 2 companies for true competition - Peter was keen to promote it at the beginning of this thread so let's have 3 taxi companies please.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - crystal c (19th Jan 2012 - 22:03:40) I have lots of experience of the 'lady' that runs apple cars, as i worked at the taxi office when the company was known as apple cabs and i can honestly say the things people have said she has said/done to them is 100% true to what she is like and infact mild in comparison to what she can be capable of! She is the most insulting, disgusting, vile human being i have ever come across and i had to do a lot of apologising to customers due to her actions in the past. It's about time apple cars left the station, it has always been my opinion that the station should not be allocated to any particular taxi company, it should be a normal taxi rank for ANY company to pick up fares! I too cannot believe how the company are still running, all complaints regarding the service should be made to east hants district council and if enough are recieved the council will revoke her taxi licence.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Thomas Franklin (13th Oct 2012 - 11:22:40) I can add another poor review to the list for Apple cabs. Last night I got a cab from Liphook to Headley. I have never had such rude service. First of all the driver did not know where I lived arguing that I meant Churchill Road not Churchill, then saying "I bet you don't know every street around here" to which I think my reasonable reply was, "I am not a taxi driver and if I was I would make sure I had some sort of navigation in case I did not know the address". Then the driver tried to take me the long way around, telling me that if we took the correct way, (Passfield Lane) there was a risk of damage from an oncoming vehicle. I insisted that we took Passfield as it is much shorter and I was in no mood to pay this lady more than I needed to. She then told me I would be liable for any damage! First of all, you expect a taxi driver to have indemnity and insurance, as well as be able to safely negotiate a narrow lane. Sure there is a risk of accidents, but this applies anywhere and is an occupational hazard for a taxi driver. Secondly, the lane, while narrow, is hardly off road and for the most part is easily wide enough for two cars to pass, albeit slowly. Finally, I requested a receipt, and was given a hand written note on a piece of scrap paper. I will be taking an official complaint to Liphook council on this as well.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Finchie (13th Oct 2012 - 19:13:54) Thomas, Best hurry with your complaint to the local parish council, otherwise there might not be anyone left by the time you log it !! Cheers, Finchie

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Richard (14th Oct 2012 - 00:08:50) Might you be better to take it to EHDC as they are, I believe, the licensing authority!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Sue (14th Oct 2012 - 11:42:20) Having used Courtesy Cars in the past, when I broke my arm, they were amazingly helpful. However there is nothing wrong with having competition.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Busy working Mum (6th Jul 2015 - 12:34:12) What a nasty tempered little women I encountered today do they not train in politeness as part of the job of being a driver? Will never use them!!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - kayleigh (6th Jul 2015 - 15:15:01) could liphook not have a taxi park (rank?) where they all park n join the end of the line once they have dropped their people off...abit like Guildford...? or each have a space in station car park infront where \'apple cabs\' use to park all their taxi\'s...now they are not In the station grounds any more...?

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Jimmy (6th Jul 2015 - 17:40:32) Apple cabs is a joke , I asked for a taxi on more than one occasion to other side of the village After long train journeys and the woman said it was not worth her while and if it was a bit further then ok! What a rude waste of my time, And bad customer service . Courtesy Cabs on the other hand are the best service in Liphook and always happy to help where they can even when pushed for time, but might I add never commit to a fare they can't arrive to on time ! unlike the other two firms in the village who have stitched us up more than once. That's my ten pence worth ,cheers Jimmy

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - P Weyland (7th Jul 2015 - 08:43:34) Trouble is, there's not enough business in Liphook to warrant a rank at the station. Apple Cabs have the deal with SWT to operate from the railway station. I'm sure there's a certain level of service that a taxi company has to adhere to. This will be laid out by the licensing dept at EHDC. I'm sure they cannot refuse a fare because they 'couldn't be bothered'. Out of interest, what is the going rate for a taxi ride from Liphook Station to Bordon?

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - liz (7th Jul 2015 - 09:14:12) Never been let down by Liphook Cars.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - jb (7th Jul 2015 - 11:11:41) Apple Cabs have now left the station premises, and although still the closest to the station, the "alliance" seems to have ended? Personally, every time I have got a taxi from Apple Cabs it has been okay. Cars not always available,-but that's the same for any taxi firm-, and the service although not the friendliest, has never been rude (in my experience). Also worth noting that, although Apple Cabs are closest to the station, there is nothing stopping people from ringing the other Liphook based companies (Courtesy cabs/Liphook cars) to collect them from the station? There is no rule saying only Apple Cabs can service the station, although I understand that the convenience of their location would make them the first choice for many. I don't understand the need to spend 3 years slagging off a company - that can't be too bad if it's still up and running successfully despite all these 'complaints'! If you don't want to use them, then don't. Simple, no?

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - marcus (7th Jul 2015 - 15:34:01) i have never had a bad service from them, there always lovely to me when ever i use the taxi company. i find a lot of people in Liphook are too ignorant to just have a normal conversation with someone. you'll find most people are lovely if you show them a bit of respect. despite what you think or have been told. they are actually quite nice. and i dont mean everyone in liphook that would be a terrible generalization. :)

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Ian (8th Jul 2015 - 06:33:01) How can Apple cars get to park on the pavement new offices I suspect that will End up in a dirty hole like the last ones

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Albion (27th Aug 2015 - 21:20:16) Take the rudest taxi driver you\'ve ever had. This is worse. I have used this company several times, more and more reluctantly, but today was the last time ever. I am a very patient and polite person, so it takes a lot for me to get angry, but I am appalled at this company. In general, the service is quite poor. The lady who operates the phone and drives you around is very snappy on the phone and usually either refuses to drive you or calls you back later to ask again where the pick up is or to cancel altogether. I have numerous times walked into the unlit and messy den that is their office to find her sitting on the sofa, asked for a ride (2-3 minutes) and heard: \"no, I can\'t, I have a booking.\" Of course, when the other taxis I called arrived 15 minutes later, she was still there. The man who works with her is more reliable but the stream of sexist jokes is frankly not welcome. Today, I had to take my kitten to the Cat Protection Centre in Haslemere. I called the lady. I got the usual call back to ask again where the pick-up was (no hello, no goobye). She seemed very unsure where my destination was. She picked me up on time. She was on the phone. No hello. I sat down and was told: \"The door\'s not closed!\" I tried to close it a couple of times with no success, being shouted at in between and with apparently no will from her to get up and close it herself. Eventually, we drove off, only to stop 30 seconds later for the lady to chat to someone in another car. I asked her to take the motorway, and she just said: \"Okay.\" After witnessing her taking the wrong exit and keeping driving, I politely asked if she knew where she was going: \"No, you didn\'t tell me where to go.\" I pointed out that I had, and given her the name of the road too. We had gone past the destination, as well as past the fare I had previously paid with other companies. Another ten minutes, and still no sign of the centre. She was speeding on the road, bearing no attention whatsoever to my kitten\'s howls of distress every time whe hit a bump. She kept repeating I should just know where I am going. I suggested, calmly, that the reason I phone a taxi is because I don\'t know how to get there precisely. The fare was now ten pounds on top of what it should have cost. I asked her to stop and phoned my partner to check the address. As she kept shouting, I asked her if she could stop talking to me while I was on the phone. My partner confirmed the address. I hung up and asked her if she had a SatNav. \"No, we don\'t use them for short journeys.\" (I would suggest you do use one when you don\'t know where you are going.) I asked if she\'d researched the route. \"No, it\'s not my job.\" (Well yes, it IS.) We eventually found the place. The fare was now double what it should have been, and I was 15 minutes late. We\'d been driving about 30 minutes! I got out the car and generously handed her £20 (she was asking for £25, the normal fare being £12) before walking off. She shouted from the car: \"How rude! How rude! I am never picking you up again!\" I ended up getting a lift home by a helpful stranger. I think I have been extremely generous given the circumstances and the fact I was late and overcharged. I had even considered walking off halfway through and calling another car. The Courtesy Cars company took me to that Centre before and were always not only quick, but absolutely charming and reliable. I have used them several times and can only praise them for their services. Apple Cabs are vile, useless and rude.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - ginny (28th Aug 2015 - 07:06:35) I've never needed to use this service so I haven't got a personal opinion. However, a few weeks ago I overheard a young man in countrywide asking if anyone had a phone number for an alternative taxi as he'd arrived on the train from London and needed to get to Stedham church for a wedding practice. Apparently the Apple cab lady had refused to take him on the basis that she didn't know where it was. He described her manner as very rude rather than apologetic. He had the post code so obviously a sat nav would have been all that was needed. Anyway in the end I offered to take him there and he told me that he was going to suggest to all the wedding guests that they should get off the train at haslemere and find themselves a better informed and more polite taxi service. Whilst I know that the church is a relatively long way from the village, and not an easy journey, it was disappointing to hear that the request was treated so rudely from a very polite young man.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - H (28th Aug 2015 - 08:52:45) I would also never use Apple Cars again. Wanted a taxi after coming off the train with a couple of friends, one being heavley pregnant just to go in the village. The very rude lady refused!! Some service NOT.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Richard (28th Aug 2015 - 09:23:12) My understanding is that taxis are licensed by the local council. Perhaps a complaint to them may get a response?

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - liz (28th Aug 2015 - 10:50:08) I started a thread on Apple Cabs after I was unable to get a cab from Liphook station at 4.00pm on a weekday afternoon as their office was locked and when I dialled their number it was 'Unavailable'. However it sounds as if I had a lucky escape!!

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Peter Shepherd (28th Aug 2015 - 13:40:53) Please go and report her to the council....Being charged £25.00 for a £11.00 is dreadful. Apple Cars are an embarrassment to the village.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - Steve Smith (30th Aug 2015 - 12:15:25) my Partner followed her from the station, she was speeding though the village and I mean I was doing 30 but she was moving. I would not use her, she could hardly see over the steering wheel and the fact that I phoned to complain and got a mind your own business from what appeared to be a foreign call centre.

Re: Is it time we had a choice of Taxi Service at Liphook station? - jenny wiseman (30th Aug 2015 - 17:56:11) I have used Courtesy Cabs for years and all the drivers are polite and professional. I keep their number in my phone and if catching a train from Guildford/Portsmouth with shopping (!), or it's raining, I give them a call as the train is leaving. Usually they can oblige and it's nice to have a friendly face waiting for me at Liphook Station. I know this may not be suitable if it's too far to walk home otherwise, but useful to know it's a possibility.

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