Taxi Talk

This is a series of interviews with local Cab and Shuttle drivers.

This is a series of interviews with local Cab and Shuttle drivers. These interviews were not only created to be entertaining, but to also gain respect and understanding for these hardworking and underappreciated drivers.
We went out to find a couple of drivers at the Airport. After being unsuccessful and getting turned down from the drivers right outside of the terminals, we were directed to go to the Cab and Shuttle waiting lot which is just East of the Airport near the long-term parking lot. Here you can find about fifty shuttles and the drivers waiting around in plastic chairs conversing and waiting long hours to finally get a call that someone needs to be picked up.
We interviewed Ali, who has been working as a cab driver for the past eighteen months. In only a short amount of time on the road, I can only imagine what someone for ten years would have to share.

What makes your cab unique?
The air-fresheners I use and the big smile that’s always on my face.

What do you like best about your job?
I get to meet all the hott, sexy girls in San Diego.

What you do you least like about your job?
When the girls don’t tip me. They think flashing their boobs is enough, but man I gotta pay them bills.

What's a typical shift like?
Dealing with drunk idiots and them shouting in my ears about where to take them.

Biggest Tip:
$1,000 for some guy who won some money at Viejas.

Furthest ride:
Las Vegas. He smelled like puke.

We bet you've met some interesting people. Who have you driven around?
Chargers players and a lot of wasted people. 

Most bizarre passenger request?
Do you know of where I can buy some pot?

What unexpected things have you overheard?
The military guys talking about their war experiences. 

Has someone had sex in your cab?
Of course…it happens more than you think. They think there’s a steel wall between me and them. 

Any complaints to the city about restrictions or laws that you'd like changed about cabs or shuttles?
Letting people drink in my cabby.

What's the most annoying things that passengers do?
People singing at the top of their lungs and don’t know their words. Also, when people ask where I’m from and my ethnicity. 

Most valuable items left behind?
Diamond earrings, jewelry.

Strangest thing left behind?
An adult toy.