Taxi Woes in Doha

A different incident happened to me with a KARWA taxi driver that is so rude and shout at me that he don't want to drop me where I need to be dropped, so when i arrived in the office, immediately i call the KARWA office and ask the number for the one handling complaints i send by fax my formal complaint and was attended immediately they call me to further hear my complaint and to assure that they will do the necessary action about my complaint. On the contrary I told them that I don't want any drastic action against the person because I feel the same that were both expats here all I want is to improve customer service.

This link has been forwarded to the management but they can't do anything unless they are given the details. The reciept would help...have it scanned or photocopied or better yet, send me a PM so i could give you the number directly to the correct person....

Hope this helps...

pls dont type with capital letters.Means you shouting.

fiza.I AM NEW TO THIS SITE .I CAN UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION YOU HAVE EXPLAINED,BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN THROUGH FEW SIMILAR SITUATIONS, WHEN I HAD TO TRAVEL ALONE WITH MY KIDS.I FEEL YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO EXPRESS YOUR FEELINGS HERE,BECAUSE I FEEL THAT, PEOPLE WRITE HERE NOT TO FIND A SOLUTION FOR THEIR PERSONAL PROBLEMS BUT TO SHARE IT WITH OTHERS ,SO THEY WILL KNOW WHATS HAPPENING HERE IN QATAR.

ITS BETTER NOT TO REACT TO THOSE PEOPLE ,WHO FAILS TO UNDERSTAND THE SINCERE INTENTION BEHIND WHAT YOU HAVE WRITTEN.SOME TIMES SILENCE SPEAKS MORE THAN WORDS.I APPRECIATE YOUR ATTITUDE.

But can I redeem my points to cash?

Wishful thinking...

---------Art is Life---------

hi scarlett, and all,

i think i'm not sure what i think, because what i think is right in my own opinion could be wrong to another, and that makes what i think is not what they think, so, what i think could possibly something that they are not thinking and they might think that my thinking is not of their thinking, thinking that what i think is not suitable to what they think.

now, i dont want them to judge me for what i think, at least that's what i think. think about that.

i side with kikomodos. keep on helping others. walk the talk.

---------Art is Life---------

Guys,

I was just trying to help. I feel sad.

:(

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is facing a hard battle." - Philo of Alexandria, 20-50 AD

I appreciate the comments that said if arriattu had complained directly to Karwa, then he should have waited for their response, and maybe, on the surface, that seems reasonable.

However, in support of arriattu's actions in posting the information he did, I'd point out that had he waited, Karwa may have taken some time to respond to the complaint, or they may not have responded at all.

In the meantime, had arriattu done nothing while waiting a response that might not have been forthcoming, people would have been unaware that this was happening.

I think it's a valuable public service to highlight where problems are occurring so that people can hope to avoid encountering the same problem or be prepared in advance and think of how they might deal with the situation if they encounter the same problem. I think people should do this in addition to making a formal complaint.

Also, I'd suggest that this kind of information is useful in another regard: If lots of individuals encounter this kind of problem, maybe a couple might make a formal complaint, whereas others might just pay up the extra (and be ripped off in the process) or others might refuse to pay, but do nothing about it.

If the information is out there, in public, if it happens again, the people who might have paid and been ripped off, or people who might have paid but didn't complain, officially or informally on a public forum, they would know if it's a practice that's becoming widespread, and they can be encouraged to make a formal complaint to bring it to a halt.

For those reasons, I think arriattu is in the right in this situation, and kikomondos has overreacted badly.

Hey you know what Kikomondos you have now crossed the limit. How can you even suppose that Aariatu's Form is false. You are taking this to a personal level. As Aariatu said "pick up a fight some where else" this is not that place.

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is facing a hard battle." - Philo of Alexandria, 20-50 AD"

You sincierly don’t believe in that abouve quote that you keep on adding at the end of your posts. In this case Aariatu was here to explain his problem that he faced with Karwa transportation and to ask any Qatar Living member for advice or opinions. QL members gave various opinions some like me said that Karwa would take care of the complaint once lodge – I said that because I have had problems too and Karwa has taken care of those issues- Some said no nothing will happen. But no one criticized or suppose that Aariatu had falsified (Made up ) stories.

Aariatu was that person you should have been kind or understanding to as he faced a battle (Karwa driver who wanted to charge him against what was shown on the meter).

Stop preaching something you cannot practice.

You know what I too have friends working for Karwa some as drivers and some in the main office and I too feel sorry for the way the drivers are sometimes treated by Karwa authorities. But that does not change the fact that there are some elements (Drivers) who really need to be dealt with an iron fist.

Its summer now here in Doha and Kikomondos you really need to take a break and relax…

Please calm down - if not I will lock this thread.

Kikomodos : It isn't for you to judge who's contribution to this site is more valuable based on number of days registered or number of points. On QL we judge the value of what someone has posted.

This post is pretty scary and I think in the publics interest - I'd be worried if my wife was put in this situation.

---

Please read our Community Guidelines before posting on Qatar Living. It will save us all a lot of pain :)

Yonip, points are for how many posts you've made...figured you might be from Texas as you started off with hey y'all...my mistake..sorry...

Get a grip everyone..unwad those panties and enjoy the conversation...

From: Kikomodos

To: arriattu

Subject: A Hand

Date: Mon, 02/07/2007 - 9:32am

I'm just trying to lend a hand.

If you're a prank (hope not), please do not use us, the other forum users to stir up onto something. We sympathized with you. The least that you could do for yourself and your family who have experienced something that is not good is to cooperate and help each other so that we'll make sure these things never happen again, to you or to anyone.

I may consider doubting the credibility of the forum that you started. If I you feel annoyed, sorry. But if you're posted thread is not in anyway near true, then that's another thing.

People have the right to know.

I dont have to prove anything to you. You are annoying me now.

>

> As I said before this matter is closed and i dont wish to talk any more.

>

>

THE ABOVE IS A PERSONAL MAIL FROM KIKOMODOS.

WHO IS THIS Kikomodos TO ACCUSE ME OF FALSIFICATION. ARE YOU A MEDERATOR IF SO BAN ME FOR ANY FOUL OR WRONG DOINGS. YOUR PROFILE SHOWS YOU ARE A BUSINESS CONSULTANT. PLS TELL ME HOW YOU ARE GOING TO HELP ME. WHAT CO-OPERATION ARE YOU SEEKING FROM ME? WHAT I FEEL IS THAT YOU ARE PURPOSELY TRYING TO ANNOY ME AND TO A CERTAIN EXTENT YOU HAVE SUCCEEDED. IN WORK AND IN THE WORK PLACE THERE IS NO SENTIMENTS. YOU HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO WHAT YOUR DUTY AND WORK ETHICS CALLS FOR. THERE IS NO PLACE OF COMPROMISE HERE. IF A PERSON IS PAID LESS AND NEEDS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND REQUESTS FOR IT, I WILL GLADLY HELP HIM. BUT I WILL NOT BOW DOWN TO UNFAIR PRACTICE WHICH I DONT KNOW IS TRUE.

I HAD THOUGHT I WOULD STOP CONTINUING THIS THREAD BUT YOUR PERSONAL MAIL WAS WAY TOO MUCH. BUT FROM NOW ON IT IS SILENCE. IF I CONTINUE THERE WILL BE NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU AND ME, SIR!. PICK A FIGHT SOMEWHERE ELSE

Hello kikomondos,

It’s nice to read that you were not taking it personally. But as a matter of fact you were and you know that and anyone can say the same by just reading your post - The Driver. But I'm glad that you say your not.

Secondly I'd like to remind you that no one is annoyed or upset that you were disagreeing with Arriattu. In fact these forums are all opinion centered and are open to agreement and disagreement. It’s only your words or the way you have put forward your opinion. Maybe the next time you disagree or agree with someone you should choose your words well.

I on the other hand felt bad when I read your comments on Qatar Living member who are new and have lesser points (The Quote bellow is from your post – "Chance Huh" )

“Some people in Qatar Living are just so new, say 1 day and 23 hours like arriattu? While some about 33 weeks with only 4 points ever since...check it out. Of course, some blogs doesn't have a point too.”

I don’t think that any new member or even old ones with less points would appreciate this.

Sorry Yonip, I have no clue of those points too.

:(

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is facing a hard battle." - Philo of Alexandria, 20-50 AD

This is where I will fully agree with tallg (and his earlier post).

But SantimanoA, come on, it's nothing personal, cheer up.

Arriattu, I never chided you, I am making my own point like you. And I wish you'd get the idea. You'd get all sorts of responses from starting a thread, some would agree with you, some won't, but that should not make the ones disagreeing a little less than the ones agreeing...and vice versa.

Serendipity, I suggest you read tallg's last 2 response.

Thanks Yonip...not from Texas huh? Taking it from Yonip, "less talk less mistakes."

:)

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is facing a hard battle." - Philo of Alexandria, 20-50 AD

Yehey, i got 2 points now!...

...what are they for?

---------Art is Life---------

Hi scarlett, am not from texas...howdy?

I'm not siding kikomodos, but he has a point too.

Well I myself have an experience with taxis, maybe not the same as arriattu, but the point is, ladies & gents, i dont think i would like to fan that thing out in the open.

If you'll ask me (my personal opinionzzz) i would similarly do what kikomodoz just said. Well, thats me. In the case of arriattu, he did posted here. But hey, just respect point of views, right?

And i hope you'll respect mine too! Harhar! Did i conveyed my point tallg & serendipity. Jauntie, IOU and the rest aren't affected, coz they're cool like me!

Anywayz, less talk less mistakes...

Cheers!

---------Art is Life---------

I think Kikomodos' point was that it may have been better to wait until Mowasalat had responded to the complaint and then include their response in the original post. Adding their response at a later date means many people may miss it as they will have stopped reading this thread.

However, everyone is entitled to share their experiences with others, and they should be encouraged to do so. I can kind of see where Kikomodos is coming from though, even if he could have expressed his views in a less aggressive manner.

I have personally never had an problem with Karwa drivers themselves, but I am always interested to read about other peoples' experiences. Obviously more bad experiences are reported than good, which is why some people may get annoyed with what they see as the constant bad-mouthing of the drivers, some of whom may be their friends.

arriattu - apologies you feel you no longer wish to follow this topic. I realise my original reply to Kikomodos didn't help matters. I was merely highly amused that you were being abused for not replying immediately! Normally when I feel like posting on QatarLiving I bite my tongue because, as you have seen, things often degenerate into an argument. I wish I had done so in this instance.

Please continue to use QatarLiving, albiet passively rather than actively, as it does contain a wealth of useful information once you sieve through all the guff.

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http://tall-and-ginger.blogspot.com

Kikomondos, you said: "Again, in my point of view, it is unfair for those drivers who've been doing the right thing, each day."

The whole point of arriattu's post was that he was complaining about a driver who hadn't done the right thing, so your protestation is irrelevant.

And it's not really for you to say what arriattu should or shouldn't post on a public forum, so long as it isn't overtly offensive or defamatory.

It's a good warning for other people living in Doha that this practice is happening, so people can be alert and prepared in case this happens to them.

Personally, I think it's entirely reasonable, and in fact I think it's very public spirited of arriattu to share his experiences, so that other people can be on their guard against this happening to them.

And why focus on arriattu? Other people have complained about karwa on numerous occasions previously. There have been complaints raised here about pre-ordered taxis not turning up on time or at all, taxis with no passengers just driving past people who are desperately trying to flag them down, taxi drivers who behave very inappropriately to female passengers travelling alone...

I believe it's a public service to not only complain to the company, karwa, but also to warn fellow Doha residents of problems they may encounter.

Thank you, arriattu, for your contribution, for alerting people to this practice. And I'm very sorry that you and your family had to go through such a distressing experience.

Kikomodos I am really surprised at your response. In your responses you seem to be chiding me all the time. As i told before I just shared an experience. I did not find any rules saying that I should write such and such things in this forum.

If I start behaving the way the driver did in my organisation, I would be fired within the day. My disagreement with my management is no excuse to take it out on a customer. As you said what lobbying can I do here? I should have put it in the newspaper along with the full details of the driver and should have got him fired. Is that what you call as justice.

My suggestions are for improving the standard of the taxi drivers. Their job is to transport people and if they are unwilling to do it, for differences then they should quit. There is no excuse for rude behaviour.

My friend you need to take a breath of fresh air and look at reality. Just taking the side of your Karwa friends is not an answer.

I dont wish to follow this topic any more. It stands closed.

My apologies if I stirred any misgivings.

At least in this topic, everyone shared their opinions without the braggarts around (no offense to the posters in this thread). Cyman was right, this topic was discussed several times and some did not end quite well (Me among the combatants..hehehe)

For once, I e-mailed this link to someone in Karwa who works for the new Director of Taxi & Limo Department. I spoke to some friends too about this issue...just for them to know what's going on outside the company.

Rest assured that the sentiments expressed here reaches the people concerned and I know they will act on it...

Kikomodos you cheeky so and so! Our original discussion arose because I said I thought it was a bit harsh that you were having a go at arriattu for not following his own thread when he had only created it within the last 24 hours. It was me telling you to wait!

Anyway, I've taken it off topic again. Despite our squabble Kikomodos, I agree with all the points you made regarding taxi drivers and waiting for a response from Karwa/Mowasalat.

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http://tall-and-ginger.blogspot.com

First of all it saddens me that in 2007 people find it hard to distinguish between a blog and a forum. Arriattu started this forum not to discriminate or point fingers but to describe his experience with Karwa transportation. His reasons are justified and since his bitter Karwa experience included his wife and kids I feel that it’s justified for him to express his anger or frustration with that situation. He has also not mentioned the drivers name or the taxi number. By not doing so he shows that he is not out here to criticize or rebuke that particular driver.

Kikomondos you have taken this to a personal level. I understand that you have friends who drive for Karwa. But let me remind you that you’re not the only one. I too have friends who drive for Karwa and Arriau in no way has discriminated any one or hurt any feelings. In fact his entire comment on the issue is directed towards that particular driver who drove his wife and kids on that particular night and the Karwa transportation organization.

“Some people in QatarLiving are just so new, say 1 day and 23 hours like arriattu? While some about 33 weeks with only 4 points ever since...check it out. Of course, some blogs doesn't have a point too.”

Kikomondos please read the above quote that I have taken from one of your posts Sunday, 01/07/2007. Your quote is in fact meaningless and I firmly believe that no one has the right to decide which forum are meaningful or meaningless. We are here to exercise our freedom of speech and opinion and not to decide which forums are to the point or not. Secondly you above all have no right to decide or draw up forum ethics. I’d advice you understand the difference between a forum and a blog and then draw up ethics on how to keep forums. If you are really bugged or annoyed with what has been written and cannot afford to advice without criticizing I think you should avoid reply or posting comments.

:)

Ohh fiddledeedee.....

Hi y'all.

I think kikomodos has a strong point. Good advice dude!

---------Art is Life---------

See, that is much better arriattu. What I've been telling tallg, to wait for you.

Again, in my point of view, it is unfair for those drivers who've been doing the right thing, each day. Doing their very best to earn money like you and me with integrity and sweat under the sun. It is darn wrong to generalize. This is the root of an even deeper issue...discrimination, but that's another topic.

My opinion for you is that, since your complain as you say had already been filed, you should give ample time for a satisfactory reply. It will not concretely help you if you'll bash about your experience, we all have our bad day (night in your case). Unless otherwise you wanted to get sympathy and get as much response like those from tallg for nothing at all.

Read between the lines arriattu. Everyone's sorry for what you said you experienced. However, you have the options to make things right using the right way. Lobbying like this isn't one of them.

Hope your ok. Again, read my reply to you esp. the 2nd point.

:)

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is facing a hard battle." - Philo of Alexandria, 20-50 AD

I insist!

KARWA management is to be blamed for offering peanuts to it's employees and probably cheating them. Not only there is no motivation but on the contrary the drivers are not able even to smile to you.Amongst them, there will be some who try to make up their income on the expense of the customers. Never came accross one of them although I used KARWA for dozens of times during my first month in Doha.

Ministry of communications should be blamed for not allowing other taxis than KARWA so there will be competition. Then, customer service will mean something to them. Now you simply have no option if you don't want to pay 3-4 times the price with a limo.

Plus, the place is urgently in need of much more taxis. If you don't arrange for transport hours in advance it is a nightmare to make it to your appointment. Why not legalise the illegal taxis which can qualify in terms of condition?

May the roof above us never fall in, and may the friends below never fall out!

I started the thread to share a bad thing in my life with my fellow compatriots in Qatar. There was no intention to hurt anyone. I find that to some I have done more harm than good by sharing my views. I was more upset with the situation cos only my wife and small children where there in taxi. they had to listen to his cursings all through the trip of about 25 mins.

I would like to clarify a few things:

1. I read this forum maybe once a day or when time permits.

2. I am following my thread with renewed interest now.

3. I had lodged the complain with Karwa and posted because no one called even to apologise for the bad behaviour of the driver.

4. Yes I wanted other peoples views on this episode. I wanted to know if others have also gone through the ordeal that I have.

5. If someone has friends in the Karwa community, then my advise is to ask these friends to settle their disputes with their management inhouse and not with its customers. The ideal scenario in a taxi is you get in, tell directions where you want to go and then pay by the meter. End of story. There is no question of small talk or dispute here.

6. I am still holding on to the tab of receipt with all the details of the trip. It is proof which I doubt will produce any result.

7. I am generally a kind person and wouldnt bother if a similar thing happened with me alone. But when women and children are involved I dont compromise to injustice.

8. Thanks to all who waited and gave me chance to respond. This forum as I understand is to share things without accusations. I am new and need time to understand the forum fully.

Still I feel Karwa needs to take its employees to task for rude and unfair attitudes.

Let's wait for arriattu and see if he's gained something out of his original thread or not or he has more questions that we can help.

As you said, give chance. And, if you feel like you are not on the same page as this thread, since you have not commented on the real issues, think about it.

So it's simple, unless arriattu comes back, this thread is going nowhere. Of course, if you're "hijacking" his thread (as you said), then its another story. But comment on the issue first.

Otherwise, it's nice that you stay "rarely" posting in QL.

:)

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is facing a hard battle." - Philo of Alexandria, 20-50 AD

You have reminded me why I rarely post on QL. If you wish to continue this conversation please do so privately through my user account.

arriattu - apologies for hijacking your thread.

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http://tall-and-ginger.blogspot.com

Gheez...

:)

I don't understand the point you're trying to make Kikomodos. What difference does the length of time someone has been a member make?

I think there is also some confusion between forums and blogs - This is a forum, while my link below is a blog. Both have a point.

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http://tall-and-ginger.blogspot.com

Some people in QatarLiving are just so new, say 1 day and 23 hours like arriattu? While some about 33 weeks with only 4 points ever since...check it out. Of course, some blogs doesn't have a point too.

:)

arriattu only started this thread at 5pm yesterday so I think it's a bit harsh to have a go at them for not replying already. Some people have got better things to do than sit in front of their computer reading QL all day, and they probably only check back once a day or possibly less.

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http://tall-and-ginger.blogspot.com

Arriattu,

First, I noticed that you never followed your own thread, I wonder why? Many will agree that it is not a good sign to leave something behind for others to talk (blog) about while you're no longer in the thread yourself. Jauntie have posted at least 2 times than yours. People should doubt your blog.

Second, If you had formally lodged a complain in Karwa's office, you should not lobby yourself out like this as it is in itself is a breach of your own complain, until matters are settled or have raised satisfaction on your end. How you do that? By making sure you get the name of the person you have "lodged" your complain and make follow-ups until you reach your satisfied response. But you have posted this on the web so people could make their own conclusions and probably even stir up unesseary and uneducated merry-making of just one driver blown into smiddle-wings as big as the whole company itself. Your blog is unfair.

I have friends as Karwa drivers of various nationalities. And they are neat, drives very well, sometimes even refuses to accept tips, and they dont complain the distance. Yes, sometimes they are hard to understand instructions and are sometimes late, but come on, who isn't?

Unsolocited advice? Refer to your taxi receipt, and you'll see the name of the driver, the time and date the taxi was used, and the amount of your journey. Make this piece of paper as your proof of your complain.

:)

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is facing a hard battle." - Philo of Alexandria, 20-50 AD

i found that KARWA is hiring employees on very low salary thus their employees/drivers has no respect for the Organization and for their job which creating ultimate impact on their behavior with the customers some times their behavior is violent to collect their desire charges.

Even I had a similar very bad experience with the KARWA driver and I send an email complain to the duty incharge of KARWA, in return he forwarded my email to his superiors cc to me requesting to take action, but so far no action has been taken against that driver by their higher management.

I have also been using Karwa for quiet sometime now and it’s not been a joy ride. In fact it’s been an irritating experience.

In your case I guess the rule "If our meter is not working your trip is free" applies. The taxi fare at night is more than the fair during the day. But as he said that the meter was not showing the exact fare it means that his meter was not working. In this case it was his duty to charge you the amount shown on the meter. You should have also noted down the taxi number and complained as soon as possible or called Karwa transportation in the presence of the driver.

Karwa really needs to take time out and start teaching their drivers a lesson in manners and work ethics. I have also called Karwa and made complains in the past and I have received an apology when required and they have even taken measures to correct their drivers. So I don’t agree that Karwa doesn't do any thing about customer comments and complains.

they could cover 8 hours shift (each) a day =).

Cheers

***

I find it wholesome to be alone the greater part of time. To be in company, even with the best, is soon wearisome and dissipating. I love to be alone, I never found the companionable solitude. - H.D. Thoreau!

***

the QR220 or whatever is for the use of the car! I guess 6 could share it if they wanted to :D

Not sure - just a thought...

I have got to know the driver quite well as I'm allowed to call him if I need transport. I asked him about the taxi drivers (he knows lots of them) and this payment of c.QR220 which keeps getting discussed in here. He confirmed to me what someone said in this forum once, and that is the QR220 is divided between TWO drivers. TWO drivers share the car - I guess no driver is going to work 24/7, so they each pay QR110 (or whatever) and use the car on each of their shifts.

I know this isn't really relative to your thread, here, arriattu but just wishing get shot of this 'the poor cabby pays over QR200 before he can take his profit' thing that is always trotted out here.

phew. sorry about that :D

Good luck ... so did you pay the driver in the end? according to the metres or twice? i would insisted to pay what written on the meter.

Make sure you get the taxi driver name and the vehicle number down.

Mind you we always complained about the way the driving the taxi here, but never heard anything ever since.