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Despite the continuous improvement in the public transportation system the taxi is still the fastest way of transportation. Its mobility is due to the fact that its route is determined by the passenger who hires the vehicle. Although it is probably the most expensive way of transportation on the ground, people are willing to pay more for a comfortable and fast service. Taxis are indispensable part of any town irrespective of its size. Taxis are machines and like other cars, they need drivers to operate them. The taxi drivers have an important role in today's transportation system. They provide passengers with the fastest transportation. This is vital to everybody in our rushing world. Some people think that the taxi driver's job only consists of driving a vehicle, but this is not the case. This essay attempts to show some of the possible uses of a taxi driver. A good taxi driver is might have to fill the position of a conversationalist, a psychologist, or even a position of a news commentator. Filling these tasks while concentrating on the traffic demands a great deal of attention. This job is quite demanding and involves a certain amount of danger.

The taxi driver's job is mainly consists of delivering the passengers to wherever they want to go. The diversity of this task depends on the types of passengers. Local passengers are certain about where they want to go. Taking them to the desired location only requires the knowledge of the streets in the town. These passengers usually take the taxis, because they want to reduce the time spent with travelling. An other type of a passenger is a tourist, who can use the taxi driver for several tasks. Sometimes they are not sure where they want to go, so they use the taxi driver as a guide. This way they can find out a lot of information about the town, for example where hotels and restaurants are. Drivers usually have a knowledge about the current news and events. This knowledge is due to the fact that they have a lot of time to listen to the radio and to read newspapers, when they wait to the passengers. This is what makes most of them good conversationalists.

One can use the taxi driver as a psychological trashcan. Most people have problems at one stage or at an other in their lives. It is always easier to talk to a stranger who is willing to lend an ear, than to somebody whom we have known for a longer period. Most taxi drivers will listen, regardless whether they are interested or not in the subject. There is a good chance that they have met other persons with the same trouble, and they might even be able to help. This means that although one has to pay for the ride, one might skip a session with a psychologist. Taxi drivers might also be used as survey subjects for psychology students. They have a knowledge about people in general. This is due to the fact that they meet all kinds of people every day. Asking a taxi driver instead of surveying many might lead to the same conclusion.

The taxi drivers can be also used as an aid for and against the police and for avoiding traffic. They use radios to keep in contact with each other and with the base. Sometimes the drivers caution their colleagues with reporting the position of the police vehicles. If a person listens in on the broadcast he or she will be able to avoid the running into a police car equipped with radar. The police can also use the taxi drivers for helping them in their work. The taxi drivers have a better chance of finding , for example a car that the police are looking for. Running into heavy traffic is everybody's nightmare. This also can be avoided by asking the current traffic status from taxi drivers. Their "network" provides the freshest information on traffic, because it is part of their work.

There are three ways how someone can hire a taxi driver. One way is to stand on the edge of the sidewalk and wave an arm to a taxi when it comes. Hopefully the taxi is free and than it stops. An other way involves a bit more walking, but the chances of finding a free taxi are much better. The passenger has to go to a stopping point of taxies, which of there are several in the town, and find a free taxi there. The third and probably the best option of hiring a taxi is by calling up a taxi station and ordering a taxi. This option is also the most comfortable one. For strangers it is better to hire a taxi from a company than a privateer. Some privateers tend to cheat the tourists, because they might not be aware of the fees.

Taxi drivers in London are probably the most professional ones. Their training lasts for years with several exams. Even though their Hungarian counterparts are less trained they are quite capable of fulfilling their task. This essay only highlighted a few options passengers have to use a taxi driver, because of the limited length. If you have more ideas about the topic, please contact the author.