Carbis Cabs

Carbis Cabs: taxis between Bodmin Parkway and destinations across Cornwall

Carbis Cabs is an independent taxi company operating from Bodmin, in Cornwall, run by a driver named Phil who moved to the county in 2001. The business centres on transfers to and from Bodmin Parkway railway station, a small station located in mid Cornwall about 3.5 miles from Bodmin town, and also covers journeys to and from Bodmin itself as well as places such as Rock, Polzeath, Padstow and the rest of Cornwall.

The company presents itself as one of the leading independent taxi firms in Bodmin and states that its prices are monitored against competitors and are in most cases around 10% cheaper than the larger companies, a claim it qualifies as subject to change.

How the service works

Carbis Cabs does not rely on a station taxi rank. The site warns that Bodmin Parkway sits in a rural area, that bus services from the station do not always coincide with train times, that there is no footpath between the station and the town, and that the public car park and pick-up area are small. Against that background, the company advises booking in advance, even days, weeks or months ahead, and confirms advanced bookings on the day of travel or shortly before. Bookings can be made without an app, and requests made less than 12 hours ahead should be phoned in first; a booking is not treated as confirmed until the company confirms it.

The operator states that it does not run a night-time, early-morning or 24-hour service.

Fares and payment

According to the site, prices are always below the taxi meter rate when booked in advance. It gives the example of a journey from Bodmin Parkway to Rock at around £50 at the day rate, and notes that both short and long-distance journeys are accepted. Payment can be made by credit and debit card as well as Apple Pay and Android/Google Pay, and free in-car WiFi is offered.

Vehicle and driver credentials

The current vehicle is described as a Suzuki Across (Toyota RAV4) plug-in hybrid SUV, the fourth Toyota hybrid the operator has used. The company highlights the car as clean and green, and explains that a fully electric vehicle has not yet been adopted because daily mileage can reach 200 to 300 miles and range and charging times remain a concern. The driver is described as fully licensed, DBS enhanced criminal record checked and NVQ qualified in passenger transport, with more than twenty years of experience providing taxi services in Cornwall and more than forty years in customer-focused work.

What the company says sets it apart

Carbis Cabs attributes its pricing to low overheads, noting that it has no office premises or staff to pay for. It describes itself as a small business offering a personal service, with pet-friendly journeys and a clientele that returns repeatedly. The site also sets out the operator's view of professionalism: punctuality, a clean car, clear communication with passengers and the office, and consistent attitude, rather than the make of the vehicle or the driver's attire.

Local knowledge and places served

The driver presents local knowledge as part of the service, mentioning destinations such as St Nectan's Glen, Golitha Falls near Bodmin and Jamaica Inn among the places customers are taken to. The site also refers to the shrinking choice of taxi firms in Bodmin, noting that Bodmin Taxis and No1 Cabs have ceased operating while independent companies such as Annies Taxis, A1 and Carbis Cabs remain.

Background of the operator

Phil recounts that he began driving a friend's taxi in Newquay for extra income, worked nights there for a few years, then moved to Bodmin, subcontracted to another company for a couple of years and later set up independently. Before that he worked as a manager in electrical retail stores in Essex, an experience he links to his approach to customer service, including help with luggage or shopping. Over the years the business has used vehicles from Vauxhall, Mercedes, Toyota, Kia, Peugeot, Renault and Fiat, ranging from MPVs to saloons and estates.