Four types of passengers cab drivers hate to pick up

Cab drivers are constantly scrutinised for their behaviour every day, with passengers often taking to the Internet with their relentless complains about their taxi drivers.

Well, the tables have been turned. Youth.SG took to the road to hear from cab drivers themselves about the four types of passengers they wish they did not have to pick up.

1. Drunkards

Intoxicated passengers are always a hassle, and they rank high on the type of passengers to avoid.

In the unfortunate event where cab drivers meet one however, what do they do?

“Vomit bags are always well stocked at the backseat, and I’d try my best to keep to the left lane so I can quickly pull over if they need to throw up,” said Stella Teo, 54, a full-time cab driver who has been on the road for 22 years.

However, vomit is not even the worst case scenario.

43-year-old cab driver uncle Robert said: “It’s much more troublesome when they are so tipsy they become incoherent. We don’t know where to head to!”

2. Young couples who just can’t keep their hands to themselves

Surprisingly (or not), horny youths are some of the most common passengers for taxi drivers on night shift. Such oversexed youngsters often board at the Clarke Quay district and outside popular night spots such as Zouk.

Public displays of affection? These couples are definitely not afraid to bring it to the next level.

Uncle Robert, confessed: “It can be uncomfortable for us sometimes. It always reminds me of my two daughters (aged 10 and 14) – I would be so upset if they do the same.”

However, the humorous driver later added with a laugh: “But I understand it’s the raging hormones lah, maybe they just can’t help it.”

3. Criminals needing a getaway… taxi?

Perhaps we have seen too many action movies in theatres – everyone seems to want their own share of adrenaline rush in their lives. Unfortunately for cab drivers, they are often pushed to be the “accomplice” of such plans.

Stella said: “Passengers love to ask us to speed, or overtake the vehicles in front when they are running late. It’s dangerous, and we shouldn’t put our lives at risk like that.”

You’ve heard her – so now take note, “step on it” should never be an option.

4. Backseat drivers

With the advent of technology, anyone can be a “walking GPS (Global Positioning System)”. However, this has also proved to be a problem for taxi drivers.

“Sometimes, there can be an alternative route that may be faster during peak or non-peak hours. But if we don’t follow exactly to what appears on the passenger’s GPS, they blame us for taking the ‘longer route’,” said uncle Chong, 60, who has been a taxi driver since 1994.

He later on added: “Seems like people these days trust their phones more, and that’s quite sad.”

Remember, cab drivers are just trying to make a living like any of us. Just like how we want our journey to be pleasant and smooth, let’s try not to make their work difficult!