Back in 2014, I wrote some rules for Abraxi Taxi drivers.
Reading them today, I apparently believed taxi dispatch required a combination of technology, discipline and divine intervention.
Some things have changed. Smartphones are better. GPS is better. Payment systems are certainly better.
But some of the old taxi commandments still hold up.
I. The Dispatcher Is a God. Worship Accordingly.
A good relationship with dispatch can make or break your shift.
Give the dispatcher useful information and keep it brief. The better dispatch knows where you are, the better chance they have of matching you with the next fare.
And remember: whining before the gods rarely produces miracles.
II. Your Phone Is Your Best Friend
Next to the taxi itself, a good smartphone was one of a driver's most important tools.
Can't find the pickup and dispatch is busy? Use your maps.
Keep your communication device with you while working and make sure you have reliable service.
That was good advice in 2014. It's even more important today.
III. Leave the Entourage at Home
The taxi is a workplace.
Drivers should not bring significant others, friends or other unauthorized passengers along for the shift. Customers are paying for professional transportation, not admission to your social life.
IV. Communicate With the Almighty
Suppose you have a passenger going from downtown to the beach.
After the drop-off, tell dispatch something simple:
“Clear on beach, headed downtown.”
When you reach downtown:
“Clear downtown.”
If you want to remain at the beach looking for another fare, that's fine too.
Just let the Almighty know.
V. A Call Accepted Is a Call Committed
When you accept a fare, you've made a commitment.
Don't abandon it because another fare suddenly looks more profitable. Customers depend on us showing up, and dispatch depends on drivers doing what they said they would do.
Failure to complete your quest may result in consequences of biblical proportion.
VI. Avoid the High Sins
Among the great taxi sins:
Sneaky. Greedy. Whiny.
Play fair with the other drivers.
Some shifts will be busy. Others will be painfully slow. When business is slow, don't simply complain to dispatch. Generate some business of your own.
Get to know customers. Provide good service. Become the driver they call again.
VII. Even Taxi Drivers Are Mortal
Nobody should drive forever.
We tried not to work more than about twelve hours in a day. Fatigue isn't good for the driver, the passenger or anybody sharing the road.
If one of your regular customers needs transportation while you're sleeping, work with another driver or have the customer call dispatch.
Being somebody's favorite driver doesn't require being awake 24 hours a day.
VIII. Thou Shalt Be Able to Take Payment
By 2014, Abraxi Taxi accepted credit cards, and drivers were encouraged to establish an account with services such as Square or Intuit.
Mobile payments were still evolving, but customers were already expecting alternatives to cash.
Taxi technology has changed enormously since then.
IX. Take Care of the Chariot
Pick up a clean cab and return a clean cab.
Check the vehicle's fluids and general condition regularly. If you notice dents, dings or damage before beginning your shift, report it and have it entered in the daily log.
That's not bureaucracy.
That's protection for the next driver—and for you.
X. The Final Commandment
Communicate. Be fair. Keep the cab clean. Take the fare you accepted. Treat passengers properly. Don't make dispatch hunt for you.
Do those things and you'll probably make more money.
Break enough commandments and you may discover that the dispatcher really does possess the power of God.
Abraxi Taxiom: The dispatcher is a god. Worship accordingly.
