Giving Directions

[Beccaberry]

Not that I actually *could* mind you, since I couldn't find my way out of a cardboard box...but...do you find it acceptable to give the cab driver directions as to how you'd like him to take you to your destination?

Do cab drivers find this acceptable?

[Tink]

I don't care what the cabbie finds acceptable. If I know the way, I ALWAYS tell them.

Test it out. Don't tell them...they'll take you the long way 'round nearly every time. :yes:

I once had that happen when I was working at Javitz Center. When he finally let me out of the darn cab, I paid him. He asked after the tip. I told him he spent it on the long ride. Twit.

[Johnie]

Yes it IS acceptable. I swear some of them will go around their butt to find their thumb just so they can get a bigger fare!

[Beccaberry]

LOL! Well sometimes when we're in the city Jon will give the cabbie *very* specific instructions as to how he wants to go somewhere...they usually comply, but they're usually gruff about it...

[Johnie]

I'm sure they are.

[Tink]

I keep them moving along too. Especially in the city. (NY, I mean). Those cabbies are something else!!! I had one working in his checkbook one time! Sat at lights...

I am NOT the fare they want. :lol:

[Beccaberry]

But does that really benefit them? The bigger fare, I mean? Don't they just give it to the cab company?

[Johnie]

I somehow think they get part of that as their salary.....I could be wrong though.

[Tink]

Gruff? Not a smart idea. I have a totally different "mode" when I'm in the city. I had an acquaintance tell me one time it was a total personality change. :lol: Not quite that bad, but completely different level of social interaction. You need to be in control 100% of the time when you are there. :yes:

Love the place though. Would live in the Village again in heartbeat. :yes:

[Beccaberry]

....continues to take notes.... :wink: you'll make a woman outta me yet, Tink

[Tink]

I don't think you need any help from me with that, Becca! :lol:

[Beccaberry]

:laugh: Ok then, perhaps just better at it :D

So then, how do you tell them? Something like, "Javitz Center by way of Elm and Main Street, please."

Or something different?

[Tink]

Yes. Javitz Center please. Take 5th to ... to... stop at the first set of doors. No nonsense voice. Clear, a tiny loud (but not bellowing) and as uninflected English as I can muster.

Sometimes, I give them a time frame. :yes:

[Beccaberry]

:worship:

[foreverducky]

Don't even get me started on cab drivers. Grrrr.:thumbsdown:

[Slowhand]

Although there must be some "bad eggs" out there, certainly the London taxi drivers [cabbies] are well known for their knowledge of London and for not ripping off Joe Public.
Even though I usually know where I am going, I tend to leave it to them as they know all of the side streets to get you from A to B as soon as possible based on my experience.

[Tink]

That's good to know, Slowhand! :yes:

I've actually had NYC cabbies ask me how to get where I wanted to go! :eek: One time it was the Pier!! I was going to the trade flower show at pier 31. Trust me. I don't know how you can be a cabbie in NYC and not even know what direction the pier was in. :rolleyes: And for what it matters he was a white/native English speaker). :)