I'm calling BS on the taxis in Las Vegas! Being a local and not using them on a regular basis I tend to forget what scam artists they are. Hopefully this review will remind me next time I'm in need of a ride from the airport to the strip.
I had just landed from a two month vacation in Chicago and New York. I was tired and just wanted to see my car again (parked at MGM Grand). I normally take the bus because such a short distance and only paying $2.50 is more better!
So anyway, this time I had a 50 pound suitcase and had already hauled it through New York (saved me $60!) I could've easily taken the bus, but thought I'd spare $16 or so. It means getting to my car quicker.
I enter the cab and tell him to take me to MGM Grand, no tunnel. I tell him how the last taxi ripped me off and that I'm a local. I know the route and how much the fare should be. He jokes about who would want the tunnel (longer route). Honestly I'm not exactly sure what the tunnel route is. He might have taken it regardless.
We leave the airport on Paradise Rd and approaching Tropicana he quickly decides to proceed north towards Harmon Ave. I called him out on it and he explains there was an accident and we would've been sitting in traffic for 40 minutes.
I wasn't alert enough to notice if this was indeed correct, but 95% sure he was full of it.
Finally we arrive at MGM Grand. I'll admit it was nice he dropped me off at the self-parking garage, but that feeling vanished when I saw the total was $27.58. Hold up!!!
I believe the fare was $19 something. Tip of 20% is mandatory, which was $4.59. I remember the exact amount because that's $4.59 he did not deserve. There was then a $3 fee for using my credit card.
I'm honestly fine with the $3 fee and tipping the taxi drivers. I'm accustom to tipping 20% but what I draw issue with is it being mandatory. That allows the driver to F with you knowing they'll still get a tip. I'm sure it's because it's shorter routes, but in Chicago and New York you see the drivers rush as if their lives depended on it. Here they'll scam you into taking longer routes. $27 to get me from Point A to Point B (2 miles apart). No. Just No.