I truly believe that cab drivers have the greatest job in the world. Where else can you always have money in your pocket, except for a few hours (sometimes) on lease day because your money management schemes truly SUCK!, meet at least 2 interesting people a day, (Unless you are having a REAL bad day), and have free entertainment to boot.

This is an old article but worth seeing (AGAIN)...

Acts of Kindness Earn Missouri Driver Jack Kitchen TLPA 2001 Paratransit & Contracting Driver of the Year Award

Atlanta, Georgia

Jack Kitchen, veteran driver for Kelley Transportation Company, Inc., Cape Girardeau, Missouri, accepted the 2001 TLPA Paratransit & Contracting Driver of the Year Award at the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association¹s 83rd Annual Convention & Trade Show in Atlanta on Friday, November 2.

In their letter nominating Jack Kitchen for this award, Terry and Kim Kelley, owners of Kelley Transportation, wrote, "Jack Kitchen has been driving and caring for our elderly and handicapped passengers for the past 12 years. Jack¹s attention to detail, genuine concern for his passengers, and fun personality make him a great asset to our company as well as an always in-demand driver for those he transports. When listening to Jack speak of his passengers, it¹s like listening to family stories. In a day and time where people are always in a rush, and simply courtesy is almost a thing of the past, Jack is a great example for all drivers (and people) not to mention being the person we would want transporting our own mothers and fathers.

In 1996, Jack Kitchen was chosen as one of the recipients during Random Acts of Kindness Week. An article in the Southeast Missourian referred to Jack as the "Cabbie with a Heart." The article states, "The people Jack Kitchen drive in his cab become more like family than faces. The kindnesses he bestows on others are just part of the job for Kitchen, who drives the wheelchair-lift van for Kelley Transportation Co. But Pat Glueck, area administrator for Renal Treatment Center, Inc., in Cape Girardeau, says Kitchen goes above and beyond what most expect of a cab driver. Kitchen is a regular at the Center, bringing patients for dialysis treatments. He has time for everyone and makes them feel special in their own way, Glueck said. He cares and you can tell. He treats these people almost like they are his family."

Jack Kitchen began driving a lift-equipped van for Kelley Transportation in 1989. He says he enjoys driving people with disabilities because they appreciate the service. "You make good friends with so many of these people," he says. "I think to be a good driver for the elderly and disabled, you have to be calm, patient, not high-tempered and kind. Kind is a must. You have to be levelheaded, and don't get in too big of a hurry. You need to have a good heart and be willing to get out and help people. A good sense of humor doesn¹t hurt."

Jack was born, raised, and still resides in Cape Girardeau. He and his wife Jeanie have been married for 37 years. They have a daughter and two grandsons. When he¹s not working, Jack enjoys gardening, watching his grandsons play baseball and soccer, and hunting with his squirrel and coon dogs.

For his dedication to his profession and family, and the kindness he has shown to each of his clients, the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association is proud to name "the cabbie with a heart," Jack Kitchen, as the TLPA 2001 Paratransit & Contracting Driver of the Year.

http://www.tlpa.org/
The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association is the international trade association that represents taxicab, limousine, sedan, airport shuttle, paratransit, and nonemergency medical fleets worldwide. TLPA Driver of the Year Awards are presented annually to taxicab, limousine & sedan, and paratransit fleet drivers judged to be outstanding by a committee of professional transportation fleet operators.

Here is a document about Portland taxicab problems

THE TAXICAB INDUSTRY IN "CRISIS"
An Overview of taxicab regulations in Portland, Oregon
By: Sean F. Ghassemi, President PMDA
There is a "crisis" in the taxicab industry in Portland. This crisis was not created overnight. It is an ongoing process that has been ignored for a long time by the authorities and people in charge of this industry. When, almost ten years ago, Broadway Cab Company, the largest and the oldest cab company in town filed for bankruptcy and caused all it's drivers to lose their lifetime investments. Nobody in the City of Portland paid any attention. That, itself, was enough to City officials to raise the red flag and question the management style of Broadway Cab. But, they didn't. All they did was to allow a single company, "Trax" (owned by Broadway Cab) to jump in and acquire Broadway Cab Company in its entireties. Whatever connection and 'behind closed doors' activity caused that, is history today. But, that itself was a starting point in igniting the early flames of anger, frustration of so many drivers who lost all their stocks and investments. A majority of long-term drivers were either fired by the new management or quit in exasperation, or had to "shut-up" in reaction to the tyrannical management style with an iron fist to avoid retaliation which resulted in "termination of lease contracts" or simply said, to be terminated from driving.
The changes to Portland Taxicab regulations in 1998 and City's apparent willingness to allow two new taxicab companies to enter the market unfortunately did not address more structural problems within the industry. The structural problems and City's "hands-off" policy in monitoring the cab companies and reluctance to address the real issues, lack of enforcement of rules and regulation, has turned the taxicab industry into a real "crisis".
Taxicabs are an integral part of a city's image. Taxicab industry by far, with a good administration, has the potential to be a key part of the urban transportation system. A well-functioning taxi system also is a valuable resource for visitors, business people, the community at large, the elderly, and the disabled. Taxi system increases the mobility of the population, taxis can offer a viable alternative to the private automobile and a supplement to the public transit system. A good administered and functional taxi system in any city and its use can contribute to economic development and quality of life.
The purpose section of the taxicab regulations of the city of Portland (16.40.001) clearly indicated that: "The purpose of this chapter is to provide for safe, fair, and efficient operation of taxicab. The taxicab industry should be allowed to operate without unnecessary restraint. However, taxicabs constitutes an essential part of the City's transportation system and because transportation so fundamentally effects the City's well-being and that of its citizens, some restriction is necessary to ensure that public safety is protected, the public need provided and the public convenience promoted. It is not the purpose of this chapter to displace competition with regulation of a monopoly public service." On the contrary, the business conduct and performance of the taxicab companies and the overall City regulations and conduct of City authorities toward this purpose does not support the goal of the regulation.
City of Portland has created highly concentrated industry with no incentive or opportunity to compete. Ordinance 16.40.215.d.2 is to ensure that only companies serious about providing quantitative and qualitative services to consumer can obtain permits or maintain the permits they have. In reality, the City and taxicab regulations, along with lack of monitoring and enforcement have created the problems that give rise to more and more regulations, without any solution offered. Because of extra regulations that resulted in monopoly public service, cost of driving taxicab is on the rise. The major cost to the drivers, which in turn impacts the total cost of taxi rides to the public and the taxpayer. (Taxi companies contracting with public school systems and Tri-Met for Tri-Met Lift system.), includes the "kitty". The "kitty" or the weekly fee in fact is the price of monopoly permit that drivers pay to the companies. These monopolies are created by the taxi regulation that are being imposed upon the total cost of taxi rider-ship. The cost of driving a taxicab includes "kitty", add to that cost of gasoline, which the driver must purchase and if the driver owns his/her vehicle, add to that the cost of maintenance and repair of the vehicle. By adding al these, one finds that a driver faces a daily $120.00 deficit before leaving the company parking lot to begin a work shift.
All of these are provided as a platform by the city regulations, to the taxicab companies to freely abuse the system and take full advantage of the drivers. Due to these vague and inconsistent regulations in the major part of the taxicab industry, a taxi company is not longer in the business of being a taxicab and transporting the public. Instead, it is a "leasing company" in the business not to serve the public, rather to "leases" or to "sell spots", the monopoly permits to the drivers. A licensed driver is no longer an employee, working for the cab company, instead a "self-employed lessee" or "independent contractor". A work contract is now a "lease agreement". When a driver is discharged from work, he or she is not fired, rather his or her "driver's agreement" is terminated.
Under the brand of "independent contractor" or "self-employed lessee", drivers are not entitled to unionize (for their own protection against this type of company abuse) or to obtain any statutory employee benefits such as: contribution by employers into the social security fund, payment of unemployment insurance, disability, worker's compensation, let alone any retirement or health benefits. City of Portland requires the cab drivers to obtain a business license for a business they don't own or operate and ironically the business name indicate "Taxicab Driver".
The city officials (Bureau of Licensing which oversees the taxi industry) is in the assumption that these serious companies will not risk their permits by operating their services in a manner contrary to the public interest. City of Portland treats these permits to the companies as a type of a contract, between the companies and the city. By managing supply through the companies rather than issuing permits to individuals [with business licenses], the city is avoiding micro-managing and fragmenting of the taxi industry.
This makes it easier and less expansive to administer the taxi industry. In other words, this mess is called a lazy municipal bureaucracy. In reality, the prohibition of independent operators not only decreased the economic efficiency, it has declined customer service. In this system, drivers have no rights and nobody cares. City only recognizes the companies as legitimate owners of the cabs and have all the rights.
In most cities here in the United States, drivers own their permit for the taxicabs they drive. The taxicabs are being treated as an entity. The cab drivers are truly business people which should have a business license for their business as cab owner, not a cab driver. For driving a taxicab, there are rigid tests that must meet before anyone can obtain a license to operate a vehicle for hire. In Portland, cab companies hire anyone who has a "good driving record", and this is because their insurance company requires that, otherwise that wouldn't even be an issue. The drivers hired enter to driving unable to deal with increasingly higher "kitty", they have to pay every week. They quit before they learn how to be professional cabbies. In comparison, turnover at Radio Cab where a large number of drivers also owners, is approximately 10% to 20% per year, compared to 80% at Broadway Cab where all licenses are owned by the company. Taxicab operations for drivers have become like revolving door. Drivers enter the trade with little or no training or requirements and no knowledge of routes to various destinations. They exit due to high cost of "kitty" without taking the profession seriously.
This is hurting the customers. If the purpose of taxicab regulation was to create a safe, fair and efficient operation of taxicab industry in city of Portland, instead the action of these companies which were supposed to provide service to customers and the public at large have become monopoly "car leasing" and money grabbing companies. If the purpose of taxicab regulation were to promote innovation and adaptation to changing needs and… allow competing. Lack of effective competition and inconsistency of the number of permits amongst the companies have created shortage of certain type of services and have stifled innovation. Except Radio Cab, none of the existing cab companies have any motivation to invest in advertising and customer service [and marketing], let alone innovations. As a result, they have reduced the industry employment, created sweatshop conditions of work for the drivers.
In the driver agreement to lease a vehicle (to be able to work for a company), or "the taxicab lease agreement", there are paragraphs in artificial legal language devoted to a denial that an employee-employer relationship between the cab companies and the drivers exist, this accompanied by a declaration that the person signing the "agreement" is not entitled to any statutory employee benefits and will not ask for them. Furthermore, in the "lease agreement", the driver is assigned to work a shift, ordered to follow certain rules and regulations of the "leasing company", and committed to follow a variety of company policies. Surprisingly, no policy books ever exist and most of the policies are spontaneous.
If one asks why work relationship and conditions are contained in a contract that is suppose to be nothing more than a lease (the term that should essentially deal with rental period and price). The answer is that the "lease agreement is unmitigated fraud, a cover to disguise the true status of the employed driver forced to sign it as a condition of work, backed by the city rules and regulations.
While the City of Portland practicing easier and less expansive method of administering the taxicab system, these companies by paying only a minimal amount of $100.00 per number of permits annually are cashing in millions of dollars in net profit. While the drivers are making $6.00 to 11.50 per hour, according to the Oregon Employment Department, and working long hours of 16-18 hours a day, these companies at the mercy of the City regulations and their buddies in the city Hal are looking for ways to maximize profit at any cost, but cutting services to the public and cutting the drivers share of the market [stealing from drivers].
The situation will change if there were only one category of cab drivers: INDEPENDENT PERMIT OWNER DRIVER. Driver who own their cabs and permits tend to keep them in good shape, take care of business in the city, cultivate passengers by treating them with politeness and adopt the trade at their life's work. [getting personals]. Freed from pressure of high cost of paying for monopoly permits system of cab companies, called "kitty", drivers do not feel compelled to work long hours of 16-18 hours, which creates danger to the drivers, their passengers and the community [other drivers], and they avoid accidents.
In order to address the problems and the crisis created in the taxicab industry, the City of Portland needs to act decisively [and immediate]. The current taxicab Board of Review is out of touch with realities and difficulties of the taxicab industry in Portland. The current crisis needs to be addressed through an unbiased Task Force. The Task Force's goal should be to increase the level of overall service to the community and to improve working conditions for drivers. Through a process of debate, this Task Force can develop many well-reasoned recommendations to these crisis.


Really Helpful Internet Taxi Links

http://www.taxi-l.org -- Comprehensive site on taxis, taxi safety, Independent Contractor info, and much more.

http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/taxidriversofamerica -- Yahoo interactive club where you can post messages regarding taxi issues

http://www.taxicab.co.uk -- United Kingdom Taxi Site which links you to taxi sites in countries other than US

http://209.86.243.205/page1.html -- Atlanta Georgia Website -- Welcome to Atlanta's best driving resource. It is a collection of the finest drivers who offer their driving services and also a collection of resources useful to anyone who drives in the Atlanta area. We are constantly updating the site and encourage your input and feedback. Since 1997 we have searched hundreds of thousands of webpages and bookmarked 550+ of the best links which make up this website.

http://www.taxicabusa.com -- Part of CoachUSA site. 18 states have taxicabusa service.

http://www.licenses.ci.portland.or.us/Regulatory/Taxi/taxi.htm -- For taxi regulations in Portland

http://195.92.250.96/pco/taxi4.htm -- London Taxi Website

http://www.portofportland.com -- In case you need something from the Port of Portland, here is their site.

http://www.linkupalaska.com/usa -- Lots of governmental information on all states in US

http://www.sfgov.org/taxicommission/agendas.htm -- San Francisco's Taxicab Commission Agendas

http://www.cityofseattle.net/finance/consumer/fstaxi.htm -- Start here for Seattle's taxicab inspection program. Search "taxicab" for more taxi information in Seattle, WA.

http://www.taxidriversafety.org -- taxi site on safety in US.

http://www.taxi-l.org/portland01.htm -- Check out this 1998 paper: "An Economic Analysis of
Taxicab Regulation in Portland, Oregon"

FROM THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
INTERESTING FACTS AND AT THE VERY LEAST ...A GOOD READ....WEBSITE http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos245.htm
ENJOY*

Significant Points

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs can work all schedules, including full-time, part-time, night, evening, and weekend work.
Job opportunities will be good because replacement needs are high(many people work in these jobs for short periods.
Many taxi drivers and chauffeurs like the independent, unsupervised work of driving their automobile.


Nature of the Work [About this section] Top

Anyone who has been in a large city knows the importance of taxi and limousine service. Taxi drivers, also known as cab drivers, help passengers get to and from their homes, workplaces, and recreational pursuits such as dining, entertainment, and shopping. They also help out-of-town business people and tourists get around in new surroundings.
At the start of their driving shift, taxi drivers usually report to a taxicab service or garage where they are assigned a vehicle, most frequently a large, conventional automobile modified for commercial passenger transport. They record their name, work date, and cab identification number on a trip sheet. Drivers check the cab's fuel and oil levels, and make sure the lights, brakes, and windshield wipers are in good working order. Drivers adjust rear and side mirrors and their seat for comfort. Any equipment or part not in good working order is reported to the dispatcher or company mechanic.

Taxi drivers pick up passengers in one of three ways: cruising the streets to pick up random passengers; prearranged pickups; and pickups from taxi stands established in highly trafficked areas. In urban areas, the majority of passengers hail or "wave down" drivers cruising the streets. Customers may also prearrange a pickup by calling a cab company and giving a location, approximate pick up time, and destination. The cab company dispatcher then relays the information to a driver by two-way radio, cellular telephone, or on-board computer. Outside of urban areas, the majority of trips are dispatched in this manner. Drivers also pick up passengers waiting at cabstands or in taxi lines at airports, train stations, hotels, and other places where people frequently seek taxis.

Some drivers transport individuals with special needs, such as those with disabilities and the elderly. These drivers, also known as paratransit drivers, operate specially equipped vehicles designed to accommodate a variety of needs in nonemergency situations. Although special certification is not necessary, some additional training on the equipment and passenger needs may be required.

Drivers should be familiar with streets in the areas they serve so they can use the most efficient route to destinations. They should know the locations of frequently requested destinations, such as airports, bus and railroad terminals, convention centers, hotels, and other points of interest. In case of emergency, the driver should also know the location of fire and police stations and hospitals.

Upon reaching the destination, drivers determine the fare and announce it to the rider. Fares often consist of many parts. In many cabs, a taximeter measures the fare based on the length of the trip and the amount of time the trip took. Drivers turn the taximeter on when passengers enter the cab and turn it off when they reach the final destination. The fare also may include a surcharge for additional passengers, a fee for handling luggage, or a drop charge—an additional flat fee added for the use of the cab. In some cases, fares are determined by a system of zones through which the taxi passes during a trip. Each jurisdiction determines the rate and structure of the fare system covering licensed taxis. Passengers generally add a tip or gratuity to the fare. The amount of the gratuity depends on the passengers' satisfaction with the quality and efficiency of the ride and courtesy of the driver. Drivers issue receipts upon request from the passenger. They enter onto the trip sheet all information regarding the trip, including the place and time of pick-up and drop-off and the total fee. These logs help check the driver's activity and efficiency. Drivers also must fill out accident reports when necessary.

Chauffeurs operate limousines, vans, and private cars for limousine companies, private businesses, government agencies, and wealthy individuals. This service differs from taxi service in that all trips are prearranged. Many chauffeurs transport customers in large vans between hotels and airports, bus, or train terminals. Others drive luxury automobiles, such as limousines, to business events, entertainment venues, and social events. Still others provide full-time personal transportation for wealthy families and private companies.

At the start of the workday, chauffeurs ready their automobiles or vans for use. They inspect the vehicle for cleanliness and, when needed, vacuum the interior and wash the exterior body, windows, and mirrors. They check fuel and oil levels and make sure the lights, tires, brakes, and windshield wipers work. Chauffeurs may perform routine maintenance and make minor repairs, such as changing tires or adding oil and other fluids when needed. If a vehicle requires more complicated repair, they take it to a professional mechanic.

Chauffeurs cater to passengers with attentive customer service and a special regard for detail. They help riders into the car by holding open doors, holding umbrellas when raining, and loading packages and luggage into the trunk of the car. They may perform errands for their employers such as delivering packages or picking up clients arriving at airports. Many chauffeurs offer conveniences and luxuries in their limousines to insure a pleasurable ride, such as newspapers, magazines, music, drinks, televisions, and telephones. A growing number of chauffeurs work as full-service executive assistants, simultaneously acting as driver, secretary, and itinerary-planner.



Working Conditions [About this section] Top

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs occasionally have to load and unload heavy luggage and packages. Driving for long periods can be tiring and uncomfortable, especially in densely populated urban areas. Drivers must be alert to conditions on the road, especially in heavy and congested traffic or in bad weather. They must take precautions to prevent accidents and avoid sudden stops, turns, and other driving maneuvers that would jar passengers. Taxi drivers also risk robbery because they work alone and often carry large amounts of cash.
Work hours of taxi drivers and chauffeurs vary greatly. Some jobs offer full-time or part-time employment with work hours that can change from day to day or remain the same every day. It is often necessary for drivers to report to work on short notice. Chauffeurs who work for a single employer may be on call much of the time. Evening and weekend work are common for limousine and taxicab services.

The needs of the client or employer dictate the work schedule for chauffeurs. The work of taxi drivers is much less structured. Working free from supervision, they may break for a meal or a rest whenever their vehicle is unoccupied. This occupation is attractive to individuals seeking flexible work schedules, such as college and postgraduate students. Similarly, other service workers such as ambulance drivers and police officers often consider moonlighting as taxi drivers and chauffeurs.

Full-time taxi drivers usually work one shift a day, which may last from 8 to 12 hours. Part-time drivers may work half a shift each day, or work a full shift once or twice a week. Drivers may work shifts at all times of the day and night, because most taxi companies offer services 24 hours a day. Early morning and late night shifts are common. Drivers work long hours during holidays, weekends, and other special events that support heavier demand for their services. Independent drivers, however, often set their own hours and schedules.

Design improvements in newer cabs have reduced stress and increased the comfort and efficiency of drivers. Many regulators require standard amenities such as air conditioning and general upkeep of the vehicles. Modern taxicabs also are sometimes equipped with sophisticated tracking devices, fare meters, and dispatching equipment. Satellites and tracking systems link many of these state-of-the-art vehicles with company headquarters. In a matter of seconds, dispatchers can deliver directions, traffic advisories, weather reports, and other important communications to drivers anywhere in the transporting area. The satellite link-up also allows dispatchers to track vehicle location, fuel consumption, and engine performance. Drivers can easily communicate with dispatchers to discuss delivery schedules and courses of action should there be mechanical problems. For instance, automated dispatch systems help dispatchers locate the closest driver to a customer in order to maximize efficiency and quality of service. When threatened with crime or violence, drivers may have special "trouble lights" to alert authorities of emergencies and guarantee that help arrives quickly.

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs meet many different types of people. Dealing with rude customers and waiting for passengers requires patience. Many municipalities and taxicab and chauffeur companies require taxi drivers to wear clean and neat clothes. Many chauffeurs wear formal attire such as a tuxedo, a coat and tie, a dress, or a uniform and cap.


Employment [About this section] Top

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs held about 176,000 jobs in 2000. Almost one-third worked for local and suburban passenger transportation and taxicab companies. Others worked for service oriented companies such as automotive dealers, automotive rental agencies, hotels, healthcare facilities, and social services agencies. About 27 percent were self-employed.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement [About this section] Top

Local governments set license standards and requirements for taxi drivers and chauffeurs that include minimum qualifications for driving experience and training. Many taxi and limousine companies set higher standards than required by law. It is common for companies to review applicants' medical, credit, criminal, and driving records. In addition, many companies require a higher minimum age and prefer that drivers be high school graduates.
Persons interested in driving a limousine or taxicab must first have a regular automobile driver's license. They also must acquire a chauffeur or taxi driver's license, commonly called a "hack" license. Local authorities generally require applicants for a hack license to pass a written exam or complete a training program that may include up to 80 hours of classroom instruction. To qualify through either an exam or a training program, applicants must know local geography, motor vehicle laws, safe driving practices, regulations governing taxicabs, and display some aptitude for customer service. Many training programs include a test on English proficiency, usually in the form of listening comprehension; applicants who do not pass the English exam must take an English course along with the formal driving program. In addition, some classroom instruction includes route management, map reading, and service for passengers with disabilities. Many taxicab or limousine companies sponsor applicants and give them a temporary permit that allows them to drive, although they may not yet have finished the training program or passed the test. However, some jurisdictions, such as New York City, have discontinued this practice and now require driver applicants to complete the licensing process before operating a taxi or limousine.

Some taxi and limousine companies give new drivers on-the-job training. They show drivers how to operate the taximeter and communications equipment, and how to complete paperwork. Other topics covered may include driver safety and popular sightseeing and entertainment destinations. Many companies have contracts with social service agencies and transportation services to transport elderly and disabled citizens in non-emergency situations. To support these services, new drivers may get special training on how to handle wheelchair lifts and other mechanical devices.

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs should be able to get along with many different types of people. They must be patient when waiting for passengers or when dealing with rude customers. It is also helpful for drivers to be tolerant and have even tempers when driving in heavy and congested traffic. Drivers should be dependable because passengers rely on them to be picked up at a prearranged time and taken to the correct destination. To be successful, drivers must be responsible and self-motivated because they work with little supervision. Increasingly, companies encourage drivers to develop their own loyal customer base to improve their businesses.

The majority of taxi drivers and chauffeurs are called "lease drivers." Lease drivers pay a daily, weekly, or monthly fee to the company allowing them to lease their vehicle. In the case of limousines, leasing also allows the driver access to the company's dispatch system. The fee may also include a charge for vehicle maintenance, insurance, and a deposit on the vehicle. Lease drivers may take their cars home with them when they are not on duty.

Opportunities for advancement are limited for taxi drivers and chauffeurs. Experienced drivers may obtain preferred routes or shifts. Some advance to dispatcher or manager jobs; others may start their own limousine company. On the other hand, many drivers like the independent, unsupervised work of driving their automobile.

In small and medium-size communities, drivers are sometimes able to buy their taxi, limousine, or other type of automobile and go into business for themselves. These independent owner-drivers require an additional permit allowing them to operate their vehicle as a company. Some big cities limit the number of operating permits. In these cities, drivers become owner-drivers by buying permits from owner-drivers who leave the business. Although many owner-drivers are successful, some fail to cover expenses and eventually lose their permit and automobile. Good business sense and courses in accounting, business, and business arithmetic can help an owner-driver become successful. Knowledge of mechanics enables owner-drivers to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs to cut expenses.


Job Outlook [About this section] Top

Persons seeking jobs as taxi drivers and chauffeurs should encounter good opportunities. Many job openings will occur each year as drivers transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force. However, opportunities for drivers vary greatly in terms of earnings, work hours, and working conditions, depending on economic and regulatory conditions. Opportunities should be best for persons with good driving records and the ability to work flexible schedules.
Employment of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010, as local and suburban travel increases with population growth. Employment growth will also stem from Federal legislation requiring increased services for persons with disabilities. Opportunities should be best in rapidly growing metropolitan areas.

Job opportunities can fluctuate from season to season and from month to month. Extra drivers may be hired during holiday seasons and peak travel and tourist times. During economic slowdowns, drivers are seldom laid off but they may have to increase their working hours, and earnings may decline somewhat. In economic upturns, job openings are numerous as drivers leave the occupation for other opportunities.


Earnings [About this section] Top

Earnings of taxi drivers and chauffeurs vary greatly, depending on the number of hours worked, customers' tips, and other factors. Median hourly earnings of salaried taxi drivers and chauffeurs, including tips, were $8.19 in 2000. The middle 50 percent earned between $6.68 and $10.46 an hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $5.86, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $13.47 an hour. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of taxi drivers and chauffeurs in 2000 were as follows:

Local and suburban transportation $8.58
Taxicabs 8.34 S
Automotive rentals, no drivers 7.93
Hotels and motels 7.51
Personnel supply services 6.63


According to limited information available, the majority of self-employed taxi owner-drivers earned from about $20,000 to $30,000 annually, including tips. However, professional drivers with a regular clientele often earn more. Many chauffeurs who worked full time earned from about $25,000 to $50,000, including tips. Earnings were generally higher in urban areas.

Related Occupations [About this section] Top

Other workers who have similar jobs include ambulance drivers, except emergency medical technicians; busdrivers; and truckdrivers and driver/sales workers.

Sources of Additional Information [About this section] Top

Disclaimer: Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Information on licensing and registration of taxi drivers and chauffeurs is available from offices of local governments regulating taxicabs. For information about work opportunities as a taxi driver or chauffeur, contact local taxi or limousine companies or State employment service offices.
For general information about the work of taxi drivers and the taxi industry, contact:

Taxi, Limousine, and Paratransit Association, 3849 Farragut Ave., Kensington, MD 20895.
For general information about the work of limousine drivers, contact:

National Limousine Association, 2365 Harrodsburg Rd., Suite A325, Lexington, KY 40504. Telephone (tollfree): 800-652-7007.


Selected industries employing taxi drivers and chauffeurs that appear in the 2002-03 Career Guide to Industries:

Health services
Hotels and other lodging places
Personnel supply services
Social services, except child care

How is it that some days/nights never get started til late? I mean, how is it that a cabbie is so far out of sync that the first decent fare comes 1-2 hours after starting? This is what I was going through tonight. For one, I am WAY to nice of a cab driver. I believe people and I expect them to believe me....case in point: A Spanish dude comes up to me at Cubbies in the Market...says he needs to go to the Airport..but not til 10:30 (It is 9:00)...I sezs..OK...I vil be Baacckk in my best Arnold S voice...he don't get it...maybe that is why he screwed me good...I come back (leaving the feeder at the Port when I was 3rd up...*dumb in anybodys book*...but I wanted to treat the dude right...after all I said that I vill be baaacckkk...) at 10:30 and he sez his partner isn't there...I am pissed but gave him a card with instructions to call...he seemed like a good guy......I go back to the port and get up to 3rd at the canopy...WHOOEEE Prime Time mama....and I see Spanish prick riding not only in another cab but in a Happy cab...Godddammiiittt. Live and frickin learn (I am a sloooowwww learner I guess) Well shit, I am gonna start publishing this rag more now that we are on some search engines and on the www.taxidriversofamerica.org site. Check it out...we are one of the few good links on that second page where it says Taxi Links...Gotta go do the Sunday morning pickups to the port...1 at 3:45...the 4:15, 4:30, 5:00, and 5:30...pretty good platefull this morning...maybe I can make my lease before the sun comes up over the big "O"