Problems With Taxis

I can’t recall when I’ve been more upset by a story in your section than the one written by Belcher, who complained about her taxi ride in New York City. If ever a story begged for the other side to be told, this was it.

Taxi drivers can be rude in any city, so can taxi passengers. One of my favorite taxi stories happened in New York City. I was making sales calls in Manhattan and jumping into a cab to reach each appointment. After one call I asked the driver to take me to the Pan Am building. He drove abut 50 feet, turned to me and kindly explained that he could drive ahead, turn left, turn left again and let me out or I could get out right there as we were right in front of the Pan Am building. Needless to say, I was embarrassed. The driver refused to take the payment I offered for the minimum amount that already appeared on the meter.

My worst taxi experience happened in Los Angeles. After returning home from an international business trip I jumped into a cab at the airport and asked to be taken to my home in Torrance. It was about 4:30 p.m. and the San Diego Freeway was jammed. The driver weaved in and out of the heavy traffic, then sped wildly along the shoulder of the freeway for several miles. I was so frightened that as soon as we left the freeway I pointed to a house as my destination. I walked the few remaining blocks to my home.

Perhaps Belcher had a bad attitude before she entered the cab and the driver simply reacted?

JEANNE McPHAIL

Long Beach