Cab #2574

Date Taken: 2/17/07
From: Wicker Park
To: Streeterville

The Cab: This was a van cab. I've never known if these were strictly for airport use or large parties; I confess, in my embarrassed ignorance, I've stood on cold corners and let van cabs go by with nary a wave. This time I gave a half-hearted, barely perceptible wave and the guy pulled up and lowered the front passenger window, as if I wanted to ask for directions or something and not for a ride because, well, this is a van cab. I admitted to the driver that I was clueless about van cabs, but needed to go downtown. "I'll do it, no problem," he said - leaving the question of van cab etiquette and use unanswered. Maybe he was just bored.

The Driver: Untalkative. No conversation, no cell phone, just good ol' plain driving. To tell you the truth, I was bored. I paid my fare, entertain me!

The Driving: So smooth and efficient that I turned my attention to the Airport and McCormick Place Shared Ride Zones placard to occupy my mind. Did you know that the Passenger Bill of Rights and Responsibilities declares you are entitled to travel in a clean and safe vehicle? It's true! You also have the right to request the driver not use a cell phone. Not to be too lawyerly, but I found it interesting that you have the right to "request," not "demand."

Hey look, I'm here already!

Overall rating: 4 extended arms. You will not find a smoother, more professional ride than Cab #2574. But if you don't put a little color into the trip, you don't get that fifth extended arm.

- Steve Rhodes

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