‘It’s disgusting’: Taxi company 13cabs cancels widow Dianne Maidment’s ride to husband’s funeral

A widow has slammed a major taxi company she says cancelled the ride she pre-booked to her husband’s funeral – just an hour before the service began.

When Dianne Maidment organised a taxi to drop her to her husband’s funeral she never imagined they’d cancel on her an hour before it began.

“It’s disgusting … it’s as low as you can go,” the 61-year-old told The Advertiser.

Ms Maidment’s husband of 38 years, who she known for 47 years, Steven Maidment, died in his sleep suddenly on June 30 this year.

“He died sleeping right beside me,” the Strathalbyn woman, who is in a wheelchair, said.

On July 5, Ms Maidment called 13cabs to organise a wheelchair accessible taxi to drive her from her home to Strathalbyn Football Club for the funeral on July 12.

“I was told I would be a priority,” she said, claiming she even called to confirm the day before the funeral.

Dianne Maidment at home in Strathalbyn. Picture: Emma Brasier

But on July 12, the day of the funeral, a representative on 13cabs called her at 12.30pm, an hour an a half before the start time, and said no taxis were available and to ring another company.

“It was horrible,” she said.

Ms Maidment and her family, including her two daughters, Kristy, 33, and Hayley, 31, tried calling other companies but none had accessible taxis available in the area at short notice.

A few moments later, at 12.50pm, another representative called back and said a taxi was coming … only for another call to come through saying that was a mistake.

Luckily, Ms Maidment’s family was able to organise a ride with a community centre’s accessible car and she was able to make her husband’s funeral on time.

13cabs never picked up Ms Maidment to bring her to her husband’s funeral. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

“We told everyone at the funeral what had happened … everyone there was so angry, it’s absolutely disgusting,” Ms Maidment said.

Prior to Mr Maidment’s death, he would lift his wife into the car and drive her places.

Now, Ms Maidment needs to rely on the taxi company for accessible vehicles.

She said now, she can’t trust the company to bring her anywhere.

Mr Maidment, who worked as a butcher, was 63 years old when he died.

“He was easy going,” Ms Maidment said.

“Everybody loved him.”

The pair had two grandchildren, Savanna, 3 and Violet, 2.

13cabs has been contacted for comment.

Originally published as ‘It’s disgusting’: Taxi company 13cabs cancels widow Dianne Maidment’s ride to husband’s funeral