Blue Top Cab

Was given a Blue Top Cab when departing from DCA. When I stated I was just going to a hotel in Crystal City, the driver told me (told me!) to take a shuttle, and when I told him I was still wanting the cab, he complained the whole 5 minutes to the hotel. Didn’t even help me with my bags — made rude comments and gestures the whole, short trip. You’re right Blue Top, I won’t use you next time, I’ll use Über. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot… idiots.

This is not true for every blue top cab driver but mine was rude when he had to take me 5 minute drive to the airport and he complained that my 2 dollar tip wasn’t enough and next time I shouldn’t take a taxi. He is right I won’t take one even if I have to wait an extra 10 minutes for an Über.
But let’s think about his point of view and why the taxi industry is not doing well. For a 5 minute ride I paid him $ 7 with tip. If he thought about it before complaining that’s really roughly $ 84/​hr, which is pretty good right? So why did he complain and told me never to take a taxi? Whatever the excuse it still doesn’t justify the lack of customer service.
I blame the taxi company for not educating and training their staff and if they don’t shape up and improve other transportation systems will render them obsolete.

**UPDATE** Although, I didn’t have a great experience with the drivers of this company, management has proven that they really do care about what is happening on the streets. I received a prompt return phone call from one of the owners, and after a week of us playing phone tag, he still didn’t let it fall off the radar or leave it up to me to call him back. I definitely appreciate the great customer service.
Today, I stopped at Pentagon City where numerous cabs post outside waiting for fares. I was denied a ride by 3 separate drivers of this company because I wasn’t going far enough. I called an Über…
Taxi drivers complain about losing their business to companies like Über, but moving forward, I won’t even waste my time trying… I’ll just pop up that little app on my phone and keep it moving. Regardless of distance traveled, I have never been spoken to in a disrespectful manner or turned away from a ride by an Über driver. This is a piss poor way to do business.
My Über driver had some advice for those experiencing this in the future. Tell them you’re headed to Dulles Airport, but you have to stop off at home first… then cancel once you get there and pay for the cab so far. Granted, that isn’t in my nature, it would be a great lesson for them to learn.

The man who answered the phone at the cab was so rude! Located in Falls Church but states they don’t pick up customers in Falls church. Ok… rattles off the number to call and when I was in middle of asking him to repeat it (because I didn’t have anything to write it down) he slams the phone down. When I call him back he let’s out a BIG sigh and I said I didn’t catch the number because «u hung up on me». He proceeds to argue. RUDE… RUDE…RUDE!!!

Prime example of the remains of an unchecked monopoly. I have had nothing but awful experiences.
I was walking home with groceries and it started pouring unexpectedly, my bag dropped and ripped open and I needed to take a cab home the last 10 minutes of the walk. Well blue top refused saying it was «too close» and it wasn’t worth it for him. I was shocked at the lack of humanity for a paying customer.
The second time a different cab driver said he would take me 19 minutes away to Springfield, VA. After 5 minutes of driving he changed his mind and said he could not and took me back to my starting point. I was so late and a Red Top cab saved my day and had no problems driving me that far.
If I see a blue top cab in a taxi line, I will pass it. I refuse to give my money to this organization. Red Top is my go-​to and my friends use Über. The monopoly is over, pals, learn to have some customer service.

I called in the morning to reserve a cab to the airport that afternoon. The driver arrived a few minutes early, asked me which route I wanted to take, ran the meter, and had no problem taking a credit card. Minus one star because the interior was a bit rough — clean but worn. PS it was a wheelchair accessible van, so they do have that feature.

And my trip a few hours ago with Blue Top Cab explains why I will stick with Über in the future and why cab companies should be concerned with Über taking their business because Über does a much better job! I only took a cab because I was coming from Reagan Airport and wasn’t exactly sure where Über could pick me up and as soon as I walked out the door I saw the taxi stand and I figured it couldn’t be that bad, was I wrong! Next time, even if I have to walk out of my way for Über, it would be worth it! First of all, the driver was upset because it was going to be a short trip. I’m sorry, this is where I live, do you want me to move further away from the airport just because it’d be better and more money for your drive? Second, before I even got in the cab, I asked if they took credit cards at the taxi stand like the sign instructed. However, when I got dropped off and told the driver that I wanted to pay with a credit card, he let out a very audible sigh that he was upset I was paying with a credit card. Not only is Über cheaper, less hassle, and you can pay with a credit card without the taxi driver getting all huffy about it (Über bills directly to the credit card (s) you have on file), the Über drivers are always super friendly, unlike the Blue Top Cab driver I had. No more cabs for me, especially not Blue Top!

Asked the cab driver (prius cab 124) i he could drop us of at two locations — we didn’t request a fare split nor was the first location or of the way. He blatantly refused and we went into another cab who agreed — it was THE SAME COMPANY.
Blue top needs to keep their policies accurate (I even posted a photo of Arlington taxicab policy states passengers to different locations is possible). Using über from now on (we usually use über anyway but this was at the airport and all ubers were taken during the time).
I would give 0 stars if possible.

They were great. Dispatcher was polite, personable and efficient. Cab came on time. Driver was super.

We just tried to get a Blue Top Cab for a friend. He refused to go 2 miles because he didn’t want to go into Clarendon. We were on Columbia Pike! Honestly, she had to get out of the car. She got into an Envirocab that agreed to take her home.

Off the bat asked if they take credit cards. Driver asked me which route to take which was appreciated. At the drop off the driver asked about cash. I told him that I asked about a credit card. He was not happy.

I called this company in an emergency when my car died when I was half way home from work. I was told a cab would come right away. After 45 minutes and no cab, I tried to call the dispatcher but just got a recording saying they had heavy call volume and could not answer. After an hour, I managed to track down the number of a neighbor who rescued me. No cab ever arrived and they never called back my cell to check on me. How can they even stay in business?

Ahh, Blue Top used to be my go-​to cab. I could rely on the drivers to be proficient in English, not shady and best of all, they accepted plastic without complaint. Not anymore.
Cab #120 is piloted by a driver who says his credit card machine doesn’t work. At least, that’s what I could make out since his command of the English language left a lot to be desired.
SUPER SHUTTLE or ÜBER from now on.

My fiancée and I have been left stranded by red top cab several times. Most recently, I was late for work because of it. This morning I called Blue Top instead for my 4:30am pickup, and they arrived at 4:27am, picked me up, the car was nice, and the driver was polite and happy– even at that ungodly hour. I will always use Blue Top from now on! After the disaster I had getting to work with Red Top, I was so appreciative of Blue top being on time and polite.

I use Arlington Taxis every week for airport runs. I’ve tried to use Blue Top exclusively in an attempt to build some loyalty. Although the airport run is never less than 12 and never more than 15, I always pay 20 in cash to compensate the drivers. On a positive note, most of the drivers have been decent, clean and responsive.
My issue is with their dispatch system. Their dispatchers are rude and unprofessional. For the past 10 weeks I ordered a cab for 5am. 8 out of 10 did not show until 510 or later. When I inquire I’m told that I’m «lucky» because it’s busy and other 5am appointments are being ignored.
I will be switching to Red Top in hopes of a better experience

Beware of cab driver 142!!! I’ve been cabing it and metro it in DC for over 18 years and I’ve never EVER felt demeaned or threatened! I asked him if he took credit cards and he pointed to the swiperand the fare and said «what go $ 5.35! That’s ridiculous!» I can write you a receipt!!! I said «Sir no matter the amount as simple to you, accuracy is important to the client, but I’ll take a receipt. We get to hotel and my husband tells him he didn’t appreciate the way he treated his wife. Cab driver got out of the car and in my husbands face (who almost walked away from cab without suitcase!!). To the horror of hotel staff! They took me inside fir «safety» and ALL stated «use us as witnesses!». Be careful of 142!

I just had a truly obnoxious Blue Top Cab driver.
— He refused to take my Visa debit card, claiming that debit cards aren’t accepted. I’m sorry, but the last time I checked, a debit card backed by a major credit card company is a perfectly form of payment, and Blue Top’s website makes no mention of not allowing debit cards.
— He got on his cell phone as soon as I got in the car, and when I was forced to interrupt his conversation to ask for air conditioning he rolled down the window instead. Finally he turned on the AC, but barely.
— When I arrived at my destination and paid with a credit card that he deemed acceptable, he wanted my phone number, saying that he had to have it if I wanted to use my card. I pay with my credit card at stores all the time without being required to provide my phone number, why should a cab be any different? If that is in fact Blue Top’s policy, and not just your typical cabbie who mistrusts credit cards, it is an incredibly stupid and invasive policy. After arguing with the driver he finally gave in and accepted my card without the phone number. In hindsight I probably just should’ve provided a fake one.
I would strongly encourage everyone to avoid this cab company unless you’re paying cash, and don’t mind a smelly and hot ride with an unsafe driver.

Hands down the best cab company in Arlington. So much better than that other color cab!
The guy answering the phone is direct and to the point. I appreciate that I can call, get to the point and get a cab in 15 minutes I’m rarely on hold for more than 2 minutes, even on a busy night. I can see how some people think he could be rude, but when you get in the cab, you realizing that in addition to answering the calls, he’s dispatching the cabs… It’s the DC area, I’m just happy someone picks up the phone (ehmm DC cabs) and in a timely manner and doesn’t keep me on hold for 25 minutes only to never send a cab (ehrm other color arlington cab — happened twice).
Anyway, I love them and the cab drivers are always so kind and pleasant. I especially like the hybrid cabs — they are clean and comfortable. I’ve been using them for about 7 years and have never been disappointed. We recently took a trip to NYC and during one horriffic cab ride there, we looked into each others’ eyes and were like «we miss Blue Top.»

I wanted a Red Top cab. I know what to expect with them and they are prompt and hardly give me issues (unless you want to count the fact that the drivers leave the windows open and freeze you). But, Red Top was no where to be found at this time.
So I hail any cab to get to a party in DC, knowing I planned to partake in a few dirty martinis and, if they were made right, there’s no way I’d be driving home. In comes Blue Top.
I tell the driver, «I’m going to Recess in DC. The address is…» He says he doesn’t know where that is. I suggested he GPS it. So he does. He takes the most roundabout route ever (I know its only $ 10 to get most places from Crystal City — this was $ 12something). We finally see it. He wants to let me out a block from the place. No sir! These 4 inch heels say that you’re driving me to the door. So he grumbles and pulls up to the door as I’ve asked.
Now this is what made me want to take off my stiletto and pierce his damn skull: We pull up and he’s figuring out how much I owe him. .. like its not in front of us. I go to hand him my card. He says, «No, its better for me if I have cash.» But mofo, I have a card, so it would be better for you to get paid than NOT get paid. See? So then he hems and haws and never turns off the meter. Add another 75 cents. I said, «Uhhh, you can’t stop your meter.» He says, «Oh, its not that much. Just 75 cents.» Motherf. .. Ok, so he takes my card and then asks, «So how much do you want to tip me? You know, I did drive you into DC.» (all of 6 miles, really) I was like, «Ummm, I can write the tip in.» He gives me some sob story BS about how his company charges a fee for charge cards and that its better for him to run the full amount plus tip as opposed to me writing it in. Whatever. So I tell him, «Hell, throw $ 3 on there.» I sign the slip and I get out.
Ummmm, does anyone else get the feeling he was trying to cheat the system by having me tip that way? Never again. Viva la funky, but honest drivers of Red Top.

LOVE the dispatcher.
I called and asked how long it would take to get a pick up and he said, wait for it, «FIVE TO TEN MINUTES» !!! Yay!
The cab was on time, polite, and safe.