Taxi drivers and chauffeurs transport passengers to and from their homes, workplaces, and other locations.
New York City is known for many things, such as Broadway theater, skyscrapers, amazing shopping, and of course, the infamous yellow taxicab. Because the city is so densely populated, many New Yorkers do not own cars. Instead, they get around by subway or by taxi. When you realize that the city has 6,375 miles of streets and approximately eight million residents, it makes a lot of sense to hail a cab.
Taxi drivers help people get to and from home, work, and recreational activities. They also help tourists and other travelers get around in a new area. Taxi drivers usually begin their shift by reporting to the taxi company and getting their assigned taxi. They check the cab to be sure the lights, brakes, horn, and wipers work properly. They add gas, oil, water, or air in the tires, if necessary. They record information about the cab and about fares on a trip sheet. In addition, drivers who own the taxis they drive usually take charge of cleaning, maintaining, and repairing their own cabs.
Taxi drivers often spend much of their time looking for fares. They cruise the streets in high traffic areas. They pick up passengers at taxi stands or places where people gather, such as airports or train stations. In addition, they pick up passengers at prearranged places. The cab company calls these locations to them over the radio or cell phone. Taxi drivers help passengers into the cab and take care of their luggage. They drive passengers to their destination using the quickest route. Taxi drivers then compute the fare from the taximeter. They may also figure in surcharges, such as fees for extra passengers.
Sometimes taxi drivers have various other duties. Some drivers transport people with special needs, such as those with disabilities and the elderly. They drive vans with special equipment, such as wheelchair lifts, that they must learn to operate. Sometimes drivers perform errands for customers, such as carrying mail to and from the post office. Some drivers deliver cars to customers from rental agencies or repair shops.
Chauffeurs drive limousines, vans, or private cars. They work for limousine services, private companies, government agencies, or wealthy families. Many chauffeurs drive customers in large vans between hotels and airports or train stations. Others drive luxury cars to business or social events. Others provide full-time transportation to wealthy families or private firms.