Taking a Taxi home from a bar. Is it wise to have the bar call for one?

Question

I live in Dallas, where it really isn't too common to use a taxi to drive around. However, tomorrow I think my friends and I will be using a taxi to give us a ride home. Couldn't find a DD for the night, and it seemed like a feasible option. I've never used one before, but know the bars offer (and are required to, if you are too intoxicated) to call a taxi to take you home. I'm wondering if it's best to let the bar do it, or make arrangements beforehand by myself. I'm sure the taxis will charge a good amount, seeing as how, in that situation, I won't have a choice. Just wondering what the best option would be and what could get me home via taxi for the least amount of money.

Answer 1

The cabs in Dallas are owned by only one or two companies anyway,  and rates are set by the city council.    There may be some minor differences,  but not enough to matter.  

It would be best to ask the waitress or bartender to make the call.    First,  they know the address very well,   and can get the cab dispatched to the correct place.    Second,   when the cab arrives,   they know whom it was called for and can get you immediately.   Third,  you can let them know at the same time that your car will be left behind (if needed).    Fourth,   it let's them know that you won't be driving which provides peace of mind.

If you have a certain cab company preference,   merely ask them to call that particular one.    No problem!     And thank you very much for being responsible enough to inquire about this option.

Answer 2

why go to a bar.. if you want to drink   buy a bottle of whatever you want and drink it at home.. in a bar you have a large chance of getting into some type of trouble.. you seem to want to get intoxicated. and know you cant function right this does not add up or make sense to me.. also what kind of friends can you make in a bar.. less trouble in your life if you stay away from the bar and the people that hang around them.. dont get in a habbit of spending your weeks pay for a drinks . example they charge enough for two shots you could buy a bottle of quality liquor for less and no problems at home ok.

Answer 3

You shouldn't have a problem at all getting a cab in Dallas. Most cab companies operate 24 hours a day in large cities. All you have to do is call one a few minutes before you're ready to leave. It really doesn't matter who calls.

If the bar happens to be in a popular area, you may not even have to call. If enough cabs are cruising about, you can flag one of them down. Raising up your arm at the cab is all that it takes.

As for price, taxi rates are strictly regulated in each area, so you'll pay the same fare regardless of which one you use. It may vary slightly depending on the particular cab and meter, but it's not going to be anything significant.

I might add that you're doing the responsible thing. Taxi fares aren't cheap, but it's a lot less than getting busted for drunk driving.

Answer 4

Call in advance or book your arrangements online.  There are many Dallas taxi services that offer online reservations, even up to 24 hours in advance.  Most of those also have their rates/fare schedules listed on the websites.  Just go to Google and put in "taxi service Dallas" (without the quotes) and you will get many results.  But here's one to at least give you an idea:  http://www.dallasyellowcab.com/

Taxis are not necessarily common transportation where I live either, but they are very busy at bar closing time.  If you wait and let the bar call for you, you will probably be waiting quite a long time for your taxi to come.

Bottom line - book ahead, have a good time, get home safely.  Cheers!

Answer 5

well, first of all KUDOS for being responsible enough to use a dd or taxi, secondly price, unless its a limo most taxi prices are about the same, now if you have a set time to leave the bar then make arrangements with the cab company during the day, otherwise notify the batender  30-45 min before u leave and he will call the cab for you.

Answer 6

I doubt the bar pays that much attention to who they call; they probably either already have an arrangement with one company or they just call the first one in the phonebook.

Its not their money, so I doubt they care who costs the least.  The bar may get the cheapest on by luck, but I doubt they look for it.

I say it would be better to make arrangements beforehand; its more likely you save money that way.

Answer 7

Best to choose a bar not so far from where you live. Since you will be sharing with friends you can split the fare. Call the cab companies and see what they charge first. Some might charge extra for late night fees.  There might even be some special shuttle services to pick up people from bars. I know on New Years night there are quite a few of these for free, but they might have something like that which would be cheaper.

Answer 8

This may sound crazy, but check with a limo company and tell them you want a town car, let them know the pick up and the drop of points and have them give you a price.  A lot of times a town car will be one flat rate no matter who many miles they drive...a cab will charge you buy the mile.  Town car might be cheaper and a lot nicer.