Working it Out

Picked up around Lincoln Square on Lincoln Ave.

“Drunks. There’s nothing but drunk drivers out at this time of night.”

We are at a stoplight. There is a grey Prius to our right. The driver rolls down the window and throws a piece of trash on the ground. [Read more…] about taxi cab #9

Picked up at Balbo and Wabash. Its our first big snow of winter. I get in, say my address.

“What’s your name?”

“Mary…Mary Rachel. What’s your name?”

“Oh! I’m Sid”

He reaches back and shakes my hand. We start driving and he still holds onto my hand. He misses the turn. We are going down the one-way part of Wabash the wrong way. He let’s go of my hand and makes a fast u-turn. [Read more…] about taxi cab #8

Caught at Balbo and Wabash

“Cash only.  No credit cards.”

“Yes, ok.”

I give my address and he says “up (something)”.  I don’t understand what he’s saying so I say, “yes, 90/94.”

“That’s what I said.  The Kennedy, it runs north.  So where are you visiting from?”

“Visiting?  No I live here (laugh)”

[Read more…] about taxi cab # 7

Caught at Van Buren and Wabash. I looked at the posted license in the back window, so I know his name…it starts with an “A.” But I’ve decided not to use names in these encounters unless the drivers and I exchange them…usually with a handshake. Its sort of a rule.  Just like how I don’t voluntarily start these conversations….I see if the drivers do.

“How do you get there?”

“90/94 going north.”

“Its raining really bad out there, yes?”

” I know…I was really happy to see you come along.”

“You were waiting long?”

“About 5 minutes…but it seemed like a long time because of the weather. Are you busy tonight?” [Read more…] about taxi cab #6