Warning for Streetcar users
I had booked a Steetcar between 7 and 8 am today, and as I had time at the end of my booking, despite there still being half a tank of diesel, decided to fill up. However, when I went to pay, the cashier pointed out that the fuel card had expired at the end of March, which meant that I had to pay the £47.11 due. I called Streetcar and was told that a refund would take 3 to 4 working days - interesting, because using internet banking I can now make an immediate transfer to anyone I choose within an hour, yet Streetcar apparently can’t, despite the fact that they are able to deduct funds from my account immediately I make a booking. This situation is of course made more complicated by the fact that there are only three working days before the next long weekend begins. I asked for an explanation as to why this situation had occurred, and was told that there had been a “massive problem” regarding the fuel cards, and that I was by no means the only one experiencing difficulties. I pointed out that Streetcar had no difficulty in communicating with their members on other matters, yet hadn’t been able to warn us of this particular situation, despite the fact that it’s now nearly the end of April. I can’t help wondering whether they are in financial trouble, but if they are, they should come clean instead of using their members’ funds to help them through their difficulties, which is what this amounts to. So please be warned that if you have booked, or are intending to book, a Streetcar over the two bank holiday periods and need to fill up, you may well have to pay for the fuel yourself and can’t expect to be reimbursed for some considerable time. In my opinion, Streetcar provides an excellent service, but this situation seems to show disrespect for their members, and is certainly less than honest. I’ve made both ‘phone and email requests for an explanation of exactly what is happening with Streetcar but as I’ve waited all day and have so far had no response, felt that in fairness to other Streetcar members who may be unaware of this situation, I should post this warning without delay.
Arthur Owen ● 5118d1 Comments