Taxi Driver - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Trakehner · #1 06-23-2008, 09:47 PM

Who here uses taxis regularly? How much do you tip them? I use taxis when we have overseas visitors and my parents want me to show them Chicago. I usually tip 20%.

Must be hard work being a taxi driver
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080620-9999-1n20taxi.html

Skippy · #2 06-23-2008, 11:55 PM

I avoid taxis because they're outrageously expensive. I priced a ride from my place to the airport and it was over 80 bucks.

cmac2012 · #3 06-24-2008, 01:09 AM

That is expensive. How far is that?

I used to drive a lot. It gets into your blood in some weird way. The social interactions are unpredictable and sometimes way cool. You see the whole spectrum.

I often got really big tips -- as in 50% and more. Back in the 70s and 80s, a $2 fare home from the bar would often get $3, sometimes $4.

I think part of is that people know there's some danger for the cabbie, and they've just put their life in your hands and you didn't screw up.

OTOH, often enough there would be no are little tip. People think it's too expensive, apparently.

I've been watching the show, "Taxicab Confessions" some and I have to wonder if it's setup. I rarely, I mean rarely got intimate details of people's lives to that degree.

I mean somewhat, but this stuff is over the top. Then again, the one I watched recently was in Vegas -- could be a bit more blatant there.

I did hear quite a bit though.

Gurkha · #4 06-24-2008, 06:38 AM

I drove taxis in NYC to pay my fees as an undergrad. It was tough and risky and sometimes downright bad with nasty customers but the pay was good with tips and hours were flexible which was a must for a college student.

Trakehner · #5 06-24-2008, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurkha

I drove taxis in NYC to pay my fees as an undergrad. It was tough and risky and sometimes downright bad with nasty customers but the pay was good with tips and hours were flexible which was a must for a college student.

Driving in the City back then must have been tougher than it is now. Last time I took a taxi in the City the driver kept telling me that he had driven Jacqueline Onassis a few times and he told me how she would always come out of work eating an apple and how friendly she was. I also had another taxi driver who told me I wasn't New York enough, he told me how I should get into the taxi and how I should tell the driver my destination, he told me I didn't have enough attitude... whatever, I'm not planning to live in the City anytime soon lol. And then there was the time I was just riding in a taxi and another taxi pulled along side and the driver stuck out her jaw and frowned at me.

So Tell us about your nasty customers.

Ara T. · #6 06-24-2008, 07:12 AM

What extra service do they provide to get a tip? I can understand good waitresses and waitors getting nice tips but what are you tipping the driver for? Not killing you getting you to your destination?

Gurkha · #7 06-24-2008, 07:13 AM

I worked in the late 80s when the city was in ruins thanks to Messrs Koch and Dinkins. It was dangerous to walk in the city during daytime and worse during night. The corporate types were always in a hurry and real nasty and poor tippers, men or women alike. Some old ladies and models were good tippers, models also was good for morale

Also Harlem, Bronx, White Plains calls were just a nightmare. Once a transvestite tried to get frisky till he got the taste of my tire iron. I got robbed twice at gunpoint. I quit and took to armed security which believe it or not was less riskier.

Ara T. · #8 06-24-2008, 07:22 AM

I guess that makes sense to tip if he or she has to drive through a crappy area then

865sp300e · #9 06-24-2008, 10:30 AM

I frequently visit New York City and usually use a taxi when alone since I am not familiar with the subway system. Recently I have found the drivers friendly and efficient. What helps is having general knowledge of the best path to your destination and not appearing to be a clueless tourist. Having a city map is valuable for reference.

My tipping is based on how efficiently the driver arrived to the destination. If they are on the phone, constantly using the horn, and not driving smoothly it will work against them.

aklim · #10 06-24-2008, 11:17 AM

It depends on what they do. Now if all you do is drive me from point A to point B, you are already being paid for your job. Why should I tip you more? If you encounter a traffic jam and find creative ways around it, I add that to the tip. If you make interesting conversation, another tip. If you are a hottie and give me a show, even bigger tip.