Women Cabbies

On a recent hot Sunday morning, my husband and I hopped in the nearest cab so that we could make it to brunch on time. We noticed something different, something not the same about our taxi; our driver was a woman. In fact, she was a lovely south Asian, middle-aged, lady from London. This was big news.

Can I tell you just how rare this ride was for me? In ten years of city living, I have never been fortunate enough to ride in a woman's cab. When I asked around, my friends could count similar occasions on one hand. In 24 years, one gal recalled two lady cabbies in all. Just two. Another friend of mine remembers a cab driver that fit the same description as mine. Perhaps it was the same one?

It must get a bit annoying to hear so many passengers exclaim, "You're my first female driver!" According to Reuters, females make up 1% of the city's drivers so when you see one, it is like finding a silver dollar in your piggy bank; you know they exist but you didn't think they were in regular circulation.

We chatted the entire twenty-minute ride up to Greenwich Village, discussing local politics, housing, tourists, and of course, the weather. She stayed off the phone and followed the rules of the road; every moment was civil and safe- also rare for NYC cab rides. She acted like somebody's mother, the kind who insists that she drive you home, just to be sure that you are delivered safe and sound. I wouldn't guess that every female cab driver acts the same. One could only hope that they somehow conform to this particular woman's style.

Lady, if you read this- keep up the good work and don't let the man get you down!