I have been using Meru for almost a year now and was surprised to read many horror stories written in MS.com. I have always had a pleasant experience with them and used to wonder why.
It all started a month back, when I booked a cab for my wife. The taxi did report on time but the driver openly asked for Rs 50 tip! Meru again on the return journey(different driver/car) did not take the route my wife and her friend asked saying the route is now closed!(I take the same route to office everyday). The route taken by the driver was 8km more than the other route.
I did complain to Meru on their website detailing the taxi details and driver name/number but they did not come back. I am not aware if any action has been taken.
On 9/11/09 I booked a cab from my house to Y’pur railway station for 7:30pm from their website. Since I did not get a sms, I called up their number only to be told that there is no booking in my name. I now asked them to do a booking(at 6:30pm) to which I am told that there is no cab available! I asked him to forward my call to his complaint department and then I am told that there is a booking and the cab details will be sent immediately.
Sure enough I get an sms at 6:57pm(Car: KA536464/driver: T Kumar/Mob: 9945771518) and I wait for my cab. At 7:15pm I am all ready with baggage and waiting for my cab with heavy rains in Bangalore. I again get worried since my driver hasn’t called and decided to call the driver. He says he is sitting at home and has not booked any pickup!
I again call Meru and after 5minutes of their music and 5 minutes of full screaming by me. I am told that a new cab will be sent in next 10minutes(by 7:40pm). An sms with driver details comes immediately(KA03D4247/ driver: Venkatesh/ Mob: 9980889446). I thought about taking an Auto, but am not able to find one and the rain is now a real downpour.
I call the new driver and explain him my situation and tell him the direction to my house. He says he will be reaching immediately. I wait till 7:45pm and then call him up. guess what. mobile switched off! I had no option but to walk in the heavy downpour with no umbrella(next time you book a meru make sure you pack one) and searching for an Auto. Thankfully find one at 8:00pm and reach railway station at 8:40.
Meru just let me down. Have complained to them on this. and deleted their number from my phone. and promised never to use them again. may be easy cabs next time around.