Having seen the comedian Peter Kay remark that everyone asks taxi drivers, “How’s business?” I have made every effort to introduce about other topics of conversation.

The world seen from the wheel of a taxi driver must be a funny mix of static and mobile; lonely and sociable. Regular routes and time at the taxi stand allow changes in the area to be spotted and observed. The time waiting for a booking, or driving on from a drop-off allows for reflection. The interaction with passengers must give some insight into the lives of others. There is time to listen to the radio and the passing of the world beyond the place of work.

If none of the above interest you or your cabbie then there is always the economics of the taxi business; the vehicle, the licence, the trade – or you could both chose to travel in silence. It’s nice to have some peace occasionally.

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CLP 30/03/2019