PUV (Public Utility Vehicle) drivers in the Philippines are known to be notorious king of the roads. They will swerve whenever and wherever they want, park in the middle of the road and scare their passengers into the edge of their seats. This includes cab drivers. I’ve always wondered why they drive like this.I’ve observed that there are 2 kinds of cab drivers: the notorious and the nice drivers. Aside from their reckless and abrupt driving, notorious cab drivers are the quiet ones; they never converse with their passengers except when they ask for their destination and their money. They are easily irritated with traffic while making these sounds: “tsk” or “hay naku (oh man)”. Their counterparts are the “nice” drivers. They always talk with their passengers and sometimes exchange a few laughs. They sometimes tell their life stories. Some of them tell you their opinions on matters about politics or whatnot. These nice cab drivers also drive well. They are more patient with traffic.
So what make these drivers different from the notorious ones? I had a theory and I sought to prove it. On my way home from UA&P, I rode a taxi. With my luck, I was able to ride with a notorious cab driver; he did fit the description. He was very eager to arrive at my house; he was driving so abrupt but it was traffic. I finally had the guts to talk to him. I really made efforts to somehow relate to him, tell him about the high price of gas, ask him about his work and even about what’s been going on with the government. He finally opened up to me. The driver’s name was Noli by the way. We engaged in a few laughs. He told me about his boss who kept on cursing them for the low money they earn everyday. But as Noli opened up, I noticed that he became more relaxed while he was driving. He wasn’t irritated with the traffic anymore. We just kept talking to each other until I got home. So what did Noli need to cure his notorious behavior? He just needed someone to put his mind off his burdens through conversations and laughter. So when you take a cab in the future, try making heartfelt conversations with cab drivers especially if he seems to be the notorious type. I guarantee that you will see the difference.
From UA&P I SHARE HAPPINESS blogger:
Natalia Chua
i totally agree, i make it a point to converse petty stuff with cab drivers so he'd drive carefully...sometimes all they need is someone to listen to
yeah and all they need is someone to talk to... come to think of it... there job's pretty boring... driving all day not talking to anyone... especially if they don't have any passengers
oops... hehe.. it's supposed to be *their job's pretty boring
Also, more drivers are nicer to foreigners. I've noticed also, when traveling abroad, that drivers in comfortable Toyotas or Hondas are friendlier :)
It's very true. Small talks is very helpful to ease the burdens.
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