Taxi Etiquette: How to Become a Superior Taxi Fare

We field many calls every day. We try to take care of our VIPs first. These are the customers who have been with us since the beginning of Abraxi Taxi, almost ten years ago.

Our next priority is locals, followed by the many tourists who visit us here in St. Augustine, Florida.

However, if we picked you up and dropped you somewhere in the Ancient City, we feel an obligation not to leave you stranded—no matter where or what time. So please listen to what the dispatcher is putting down to help ensure your safe and timely trip home.

We do not surge price. Generally, what you paid coming in will be about what you fork over on the return trip.

What I'd like to address here is a little taxi etiquette: what the dispatcher needs to know and what separates the average passenger from the superior taxi fare.

The Superior Taxi Fare

The superior customer gives us three important pieces of information: where you are, how many people are in your party, and where you want to go.

Sometimes customers call ahead and arrange what we call a time call. If you're calling from a noisy bar or restaurant, find a quieter spot before calling. The dispatcher actually needs to hear you.

And when we pull up at the appointed time, these incredible humans will be ready to go.

If you give us the “I'll be right out” finger and then disappear for fifteen minutes, you may receive the “Merry Christmas middle digit” in return.

The most exceptional taxi riders are punctual.

These wondrous creatures would also never attempt to eat or smoke in their divine chariot. Personal hygiene tasks should preferably be completed before your designated driver arrives.

Upon Decabbing

After paying the freight, these awesome demi-gods thoroughly check that they have their phones, wallets, purses, keys and other belongings before leaving the cab.

If Houston has a problem and your driver experiences technical difficulties or gets caught in St. Augustine traffic, the superior customer keeps a phone nearby and answers our call or text.

They do not call repeatedly under the assumption that this will somehow make the taxi travel faster.

We cannot control traffic.

We cannot control the quirky Bridge of Lions.

We cannot control the crazy traffic patterns around the Plaza de la Constitución.

Repeated telephone calls have yet to change any of these things.

When Plans Go Awry

We understand that even the best-laid plans go awry.

But calling to cancel your taxi while we're pulling into your driveway is unacceptable and may subject you to apocryphal retribution.

Sometimes a customer asks for a price and decides we're too expensive. That's okay.

I understand that some taxi companies may charge less.

But please don't tell me what another company charges.

Just take that company.

The Seven Virtues of the Superior Taxi Fare

The keys to becoming a superior taxi customer are:

Brevity. Clarity. Punctuality. Generosity. Loyalty. Patience. Good nature.

We understand that people get sick, have bad days and occasionally wake up on the wrong side of life.

But being miserable, irascible and ill-mannered every day cannot possibly be good for your mental health—or help you move forward on this wonderful journey we call life.

Treat your driver well. Be ready when the cab arrives. Communicate clearly. Check your belongings.

And we'll do our best to get you where you need to go.

Abraxi Taxiom: Lyft above the hype