203.255.5797. It’s number that is stored in many cell phones and at times can be difficult to reach. A number that, late on weekend nights, can be either a lifesaver or a hassle.

Dial that number and you will reach the Fairfield Cab station.

Whether it is a quick run to CVS or a ride home at 4 a.m. from the beach, most students have relied on this service. There is rarely a night that Fairfield Cabs aren’t carting students on and off campus.

However, some students have voiced negative experiences with Fairfield Cab. Some complaints include being overcharged, stranded, or rude treatment by cab drivers.

“Numerous times I have waited an hour and forty-five minutes for a cab,” said Amanda Maffey ‘08. “On some occasions the cabs will never come. When we call the company back, they always say they’re on the way.”

Many students, especially freshmen, find this frustrating, because in most cases the Fairfield Cab is their only means of transportation.

Cab drivers, however, have voiced their complaints as well.

“Often times we get a call, and when we go up there, the kids are gone – there’s no service,” said cab driver Mike Carriro, known to most as “Belushi.”

Carriro, a seasoned driver of 10 years, has had many experiences with Fairfield students, and rarely receives complaints.

“The job involves a lot of patience, and a sense of humor is vital,” he said.

Carriro said he has dealt with students vomiting in the back of the cab and, on occasion, drunken fist fights. Still, some students have qualms about the cabs.

“On the way to a store on Black Rock Turnpike, my cab driver got lost,” said Alison Rivers ‘08. “I ended up having to pay for the extra mileage.” Alison dished out $20 for the ride, one for which she had previously paid only $14.

This inconsistency in fees has many students upset.

“Technically the driver is not supposed to charge you extra [if he gets lost]. Some guys get away with it. If you are overcharged, don’t pay it,” said Victor Perlman, a cabdriver at Fairfield Cab. He explained that the initial cab fee is $2.90 plus $2.00 for every additional mile.

When Amy Doctor, sophomore at Stonehill College in Massachusetts, visited a friend at Fairfield, she had her own experience with Fairfield Cab.

“On my way from the Fairfield train station to the campus, the cab driver spoke furiously about Fairfield students – particularly freshmen,” said Doctor. “I sat quietly in the back while he continued to curse and reprimand me – and I’m not even a (Fairfield) student.”

Doctor said the driver made her nervous, and she was offended by his overwhelming profanity and insulting words.

Experiences such as these have students dreading cab rides.

However, some students, such as Christina Duggan ‘08, said they’ve never had a poor experience.

“All of the drivers I have ridden with, even on hectic weekend nights, have been generally friendly and professional,” said Duggan.