11 comments

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  neha

  2 years ago

  The interesting thing is that most cabbies are open to having a conversation. If one just sets the ball rolling - one can have a conversation about anything - weather, food, Goa, India or the Tories. I remember once - I was so harried about missing a flight but the cabbie was calm - and asked me questions as we were pulling out of the street - "Love, do you have your passport, ticket and money?"
  
  Here's a gift :)
  
  
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  neha

  2 years ago

  Yikes - for some reason the photo wouldn't show up in the image - so here's the link.
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  Shripriya

  2 years ago

  Thanks for the picture, Neha! Yeah, you're right - I asked one guy about xmas shopping and we had a very informed conversation about prices in London versus New York.
  
  I think the key difference is that in London, being a cab driver is a job people really want and they have to work very hard to get it. In NYC it is the backup job - the job you don't really want, but the only job you can get. Therein lies the difference.
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  Udit

  2 years ago

  According to
  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/67720...
  and
  http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/38d66.htm
  
  "Taxi drivers given brain scans by scientists at University College London had a larger hippocampus - a part of the brain associated with navigation - compared with other people. "
  
  
  Maybe the Hippocampus also houses the traits of verbal comprehension, hygiene and civility?
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  Surya

  2 years ago

  Nice post!
  Having fought with cab drivers in many other cities, I couldn't agree more. If you tell them you are not familiar with the city, they even play the tour guide and point out landmarks etc. And my cabbie once even led me to believe that he was breaking all traffic rules just to get me to the airport in time for a flight that I was ridiculously late for - I am pretty sure he was just bluffing, but he definitely kept me from panicking thanks to his non stop ramble and even got me to the airport on time.
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  MumbaiGirl

  2 years ago

  As a Londoner I fume about public transport costs all the time and how expensive cabs are, but I agree with everything you say.
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  sundeep

  2 years ago

  love the bulleted list :) Wish i could make it to London and NYC to see for myself. never been in an LA taxi, so can't speak for 'em....
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  indianoguy

  2 years ago

  I agree, I haven't used them much in London, but lot of times in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Apparently the cabs in Edinburgh are much better. One cab driver told me that it costs 50000 pounds and he earns close to 2000 pounds a month by just working 7-8 hours per day. One more thing I observed is lot of them are well travelled. Most of them have been to India at least once in their lifetime. Without exception every driver I have met has a great sense of humour.
  
  I certainly miss them, you would feel like royalty once you get inside.
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  Smitha

  2 years ago

  Nice post Shri!
  I agree with indianoguy! The cabs in Edi are much better. And man they sure know hwere they are headed to!
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  Worrymon

  2 years ago

  Just to let you know, as a resident of NYC and frequent user of taxis, it is illegal for taxi drivers to use their cell phones while they are working, hands-free device or not. They aren't allowed to do it It's also listed on your bill of rights (which is bolted to the back of the driver's seat in any metered cab).
  
  In addition, please remember that tipping may be customary, but it is in no way required. You are the customer. If, in your mind, he doesn't drive safely, is rude, talks on the phone, smells or in any way doesn't live up to your expectations of a ride, then by all means, withhold the tip and let the cabbie know why! (also, let them know when they do a good job). Get out of the car, ask for your money back and say "I'm not tipping because you used your cell phone" or something like that.
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  Shripriya

  2 years ago

  @ Worrymom - Thanks for the advice. Yes, I've read the bill of rights, I just feel rude asking them to stop talking - after all, they shouldn't be doing it in the first place, as you mention. But, I think the time has come to start demanding some service!
  
  Also, I have had a couple of great cab rides since my post - both in the newer SUV-type cabs that are more spacious and updated. The drivers were also courteous - greeted me and thanked me! I even took a picture of one because the driver had it set up with a GPS and his iPod dock. Very cool indeed.
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