Fact: cab drivers see the worst of you.
With brutal city traffic that keeps getting worse, coupled with jam-packed schedules, it’s easy to feel your anxiety levels rise the second you climb into the back of a taxi.
Especially if you’re late and your cab driver has no clue where they’re going. (‘Cause, as you really know, they’re only pretending they don’t know where they’re going.)
If there’s one thing that young professionals don’t like to not have control over, it’s transportation.
But before you get yourself put on the cabbie black list, we suggest you consider these 7 ways to control your rage whenever the meter is running.
1. Take Matters into Your Own Hands
If you know the city – complete with all the short cuts – as well as you know your smartphone screen, speak up once you get inside the cab and let the cab driver know the route you wish to take. If you don’t know and they don’t have a GPS (yes, annoying), it’s easier to bust out your phone and GPS it yourself than to deal with the frustration of watching them flounder.
2. Have Cash
If you want the whole transaction process to be as quick and efficient as possible, always have enough cash in your wallet to pay for the cab, so you’re not relying on their debit or credit card machine. For starters, they’re sometimes out of service, they can take awhile to start-up, they take time to process, and cabbies hate them for their extra fees.
3. Remember that Yelling Doesn’t Help
As difficult as it may be, keep in mind that yelling at the cab driver (or other drivers out the window) is only going to make matters worse. You’ll either cause the driver tension, stressing them out and affecting their strategic driving, or they’ll yell right back at you.
4. Don’t Watch the Meter
Cabs aren’t cheap. And if you’re experiencing an episode of cab rage, the worst thing you can do is to remain fixated at the climbing meter, especially when you’re late and stuck in traffic. The clock is no better. It’s like checking your ex’s Facebook – just never a good idea.
5. Have Music on Hand
If time is of the essence and your city’s traffic is somehow worse than ever (see: everyday), calm yourself down with a no-fail track on your phone/iPod. The last thing you need is to bring an anxious energy into wherever you’re heading.
6. Consider Their Backstory
Before you flip out on the cab driver out of sheer frustration (whether it’s warranted or not), consider their backstory. A lot of cab drivers are university educated, and are working odd hours just to provide for their families – consider that they’re putting up with you as much as you’re putting up with them. Perfect example: you’re probably not as much of a gem as you think you are when you’re on your drunken ride home.
7. Remember that it Could Be Worse
The whole situation could be worse. Cabs are more comfortable than public transportation – and hey, you’re guaranteed a seat. You’ll also get dropped off at the front door of wherever you’re going, eliminating time spent circling around looking for a parking spot. Plus, remember that road rage we mentioned? Better you keep yours in check by staying in the backseat.
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