I’ve recently been doing a lot of traveling.
That alone can be stressful enough. Throw in the joy and pain associated with transportation to and from the airport, and I hope you can relate to what I’m saying.
With that in mind, I thought I’d talk a little bit about some of the things that have worked for me in making this whole process go a little more smoothly. In particular, how to catch a cab in a busy city.
If history serves as any indication of the future, most cab drivers that I’ve encountered (New York and Toronto come to mind) have exhibited the following behaviours:
- driving with one hand on the wheel
- talking on a cell phone (except in Chicago as My View from the Jeep made me aware of)
- rushing more than you
Now that you know what you’re likely to deal with, it’s time to develop a game plan for catching a cab quickly and painlessly.
After much research, I’ve developed 5 simple steps to follow:
1. Observe
If you have time, scope out the area in which you are trying to catch a cab. Does one cab company seem to dominate? Are more people getting picked up by a certain company? Are there popular drop-off spots or pick-up spots? If time is precious, though, you can skip this step.
2. Stake your ground
It’s a dog eat dog world out there and you need to know how to take control of the situation in a ‘first come, first served’ context. Remember, you likely aren’t the only person trying to catch a cab. To avoid being lost amongst the flock, stake out the most effective cab catching real estate near your location and set up shop!
3. Gain tactical supremacy
I wouldn’t call this step ‘dirty pool’, but you have to do what you have to do, right? To that end, techniques to consider would include:
- standing upstream from your competition (be the first to intercept by moving a block or so away, or even on to an intersecting street where the cabs seem to be originating from);
- avoiding the sidewalk (my experience with sidewalks seems to indicate to the cab driver that you aren’t really a ’serious’ cab hailer and are merely entertaining it);
- establishing position just off the curb in the street (watching out for oncoming traffic as best you can); and
- distinguishing yourself from the competition - you don’t have to go overboard (like New York & More points out), but you need to be noticed. Jumping jacks have worked for me in the past (seriously), but use your judgement…it’s essentialy a 10 to 15 second talent show, and you’re up!
4. Move swiftly
Should you be successful and are shown the back right door of your target…get in! Do not pass go and do not collect $200. Also, do not look around to gloat or see the reactions of your competitors…you’re the victor, and to you go the spoils!
5. Maintain composure
Don’t engage in any bizarre behaviour once you’ve secured your transportation (like exploring the entire AM/FM dial - you wouldn’t do this in your car, would you?) as it’s probably in your best interest…especially if you’re in a city that you aren’t familiar with. For instance, have you ever wondered if the cab driver was ‘taking you for a ride’ when he/she was actually taking you for a ride? I have. You want to avoid that…not good.
Not part of the 5 steps, but related, is payment. I like to pre-pay or sort out the method of payment prior to arriving at my final destination (which seem to be airports lately) so I can get out as quickly as I got in. Also, it helps the driver because he can get going to his next fare. If you’re happy with the service you received, tip your driver. If not, well, that’s up to you.
That’s it! Enjoy…I’ve never missed a plane yet (knock on wood).
darren
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