It is perhaps sad to say, but when passengers who are travelling to other parts of the world leave their passports behind. Then they remember as you are about to drop them off. I know they get stressed and I sympathise that. However, I, in some ways I love it, because I have to bring them back and take them to the airport again. That is a double whammy, isn't it? I had a passenger who paid me three times more than he should have done. So he was not happy but I was the winner of that human nature.

NEVER TELL YOUR PASSENGER WHICH TEAM YOU SUPPORT.

I have certainly learnt from this experience which happened to me few months ago. This experience was, I picked a couple from Vauxhall going to Highbury Corner. Then the couple started discussing about football, in general. As usual, I joined the discussion and the man asked me if I support a team. I quickly replied, the best team in Europe AAAARRSENAL. His face became red in seconds and I realised I was in trouble. The women giggled and said "decent people support decent team". I tried to talk to him but he seemed not interested in that. Finally, we got to the destination and the angry-man said "I'm not going to give you a penny", you are lucky to be save. He was a big man. I initially thought that was a joke but he threaten to sort me out if I disagreed with his decision. I had to drive off without a penny. Form then on, I am more careful with my answers.

Woman behaving badly.

You expect a man with a big belly, a football fan or a builder to behave badly. But you don't expect a young woman to misbehave and that is what I have experienced this week. I had a fare, a good one, in terms of money. Five minutes into the journey a powerful smell struck me, I had a bitter-taste, my throat became dry and I felt light-headed. The next thing I heard, rear windows opening, a fresh air came into the car, I gained conscious and the lady asked me "are you alright". I replied, not really and asked her what happened. she started apologising, "sorry, I had curry dinner". There you go a woman who is not ashamed to fart in public places.

Scary night

One of my colleagues was beaten up and robbed by three teenagers last night. They took £380, a mobile phone and his wallet with credit/debit cards. Worst than that, his face looked like a boxer who had been punched badly. When a colleague told me what had happened, I rushed to the scene. Even though, it was too late to help him and the police were already there I thought I could at least show him my support. I feel sorry for him but it is the nature of our business to deal people from all walk of lives.

Dealing with drug dealers.

When stupid drug dealers try to evade a fare, this is what happened. I picked two man from Clapham to Putney. Just before we approached Wandsworth I became suspicious and asked them to pay me the fare. They started making an excuse about this and that. I thought they are going to spoil my day. But fortunately quick thinking can sometimes help. I pulled over outside East Hill police station and demanded immediate payment. I was amazed how human behaviour can change within minutes. Those guys who apparently had no money a minute ago paid me fare and half and begged me to continue driving. After reaching their destination, they praised my reaction rather than condemning it.

READ THIS.

A taxi driver has been fined £50 under new smoking free legislation for lighting up in his own cab.
Iftikhar Ahmed, 50, was spotted with the cigarette while parked on Rochdale Road, without a passenger, in Oldham, Greater Manchester. Sources: BBC

That is a lot of money, it may be a day's work.

Last night, I met a young man who I helped, six months ago, after fallingl in love with a woman he had met in a bar. Let me give you the full story. I picked a man and a woman from Clapham Junction to Richmond. Half way through the journey I over heard the young lady saying you are not going to come with me, you should rather go to your place. Anyway, they asked me to stop outside a kebab shop. While she was ordering the food he came back and asked me if I had an idea to arouse her. I said yes, what is the deal? He said "double your fair". Then I said to him let's go to her place first and when we reach there I will ask you to get off my car. The reason, it is the end of my shift but don't accept that untill I come out of the car and threaten you. So she wil have no choice but to host you the night. The trick worked and they are now happy couple. Every time they are in the area he comes to see me. People think cab drivers' job is to bick a passenger from A to B. But this experience shows we do more than that. In fact,

Unexpected behaviour

We expect some people to behave in a particular way but not from this young lady. Tall, bonde, beautiful, well educated but drunk. That is what happened to one young lady, in her 20s. She came out of a bar wobbling and she fell on to the ground losing two of her front teath. I would ask this question: Do young people go out, especially weekends, to have a good time or to harm themselves?

Ken v Cabbies

London Black Cab Drivers were protesting today against a plan which is designed to encourage people from ethnic minorities. The plan offers language, numeracy and child support for those taking the exam. But that angered many cabbies who say they have learnt the hard way and new candidates should do so. In my opinion, I can see from both points of view. Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, believes minority communities are underrepresented in the industry. He is right because only 5% of cab drivers are from ethnic minorities and 1.6% are women. But is this the way to attract black, asian and women? I am not sure. I also understand the cabbies' outrage which is why help some but not others. Above all, both parties need to accept the need for change and compromise for each other.

Horrible cutomer.

Today, I had one of the worst customers for a long time. A young lady who was very rude and disrespectiful. She was pretending as if she knew where she was going and she kept asking me why I was going that/this direction. I considered throwing her out. But then I thought she is a human being, specially as I am a father of two girls, and ignored har. Finally, we arrived at her destination where she started arguing the fare with me. I thought what a horrible woman, though I had experienced worst than that, so I had to let her go without paying me a penny.

good day at work.

What a good day, taking risks can sometimes pay-off. Last night I picked up two beautiful women, in their late thirties, for a fare of £7. When we reached their destination they say "sorry" we don't have any money and asked me if I can come back to pick them up so they can pay me. I accepted their offer because they looked genuine. And they promise to call me at a particular time. Guess what happened? My mobile rang exactly the time they promised to call me. I rushed to the location where they were waiting me outside. I momentarily thought, are they playing a game? Finally, we got to their destination and they asked me how much? The fare was £14 and they paid me extra £30. So there you go.

Welcome

Hello, welcome to this blog which is designed for cab drivers who want to share their experience with the wider world. So keep posting your comments.

thanks