Already had a taxi assuring me the trip from the airport to my place was well under $20, as I had only a $20 bill and no active credit card. I asked him before hand if he was absolutely sure and that I wouldn't be able to pay more. I had 30Kg of luggage so I figured it was a good idea.
When we reached $20 at 70% of the way, he said "so ill bring you to the nearest ATM and you'll pay the diff ok?". I said no. He opened the door. I walked home. With my 30Kg. Yay.
I'd certainly take a non-taxi company whenever I wanna be sure. Sorry for honest taxi drivers.
That's one I've never heard of before. Taxi drivers have a lot of flaws, but they are pre-programmed to take you to a safe-destination. Also - I do a lot of fare negotiation on longer trips (I rarely, if ever, pay meter from anywhere but the airport), and, in 10 years, I've never had a driver back out on a deal.
In particular, on a long fare, say, San Francisco to Mountain View, if it's a slow time with light traffic (weekend afternoons) - I can usually get a $150 trip for $75, and never more than $100.
When we reached $20 at 70% of the way, he said "so ill bring you to the nearest ATM and you'll pay the diff ok?". I said no. He opened the door. I walked home. With my 30Kg. Yay.
I'd certainly take a non-taxi company whenever I wanna be sure. Sorry for honest taxi drivers.