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“The taxi drivers”

  The most common taxis in Mumbai are old yellow-black colored and quite lovable ones. However, I’ve been in many troubles with the drivers.

I have argued with the taxi driver in India. Last time I travelled with my daughter and that was after our short trip to Delhi. At the domestic airport, we couldn't take a pre-paid taxi, so we took a normal taxi and talked with the taxi driver about the taxi fare. At first, he said Rs.450 to us. I said it was too expensive and Rs.350 was preferable. After a little negotiation, he said he would use the fare meter and I agreed with that. Eventually, he drove a long distance to our hotel and the meter showed Rs.470. I told him that I knew the shorter way and he drove the longer way on purpose. Suddenly he said he could not speak English. How come?  Still, we argued for a while.  After all, my daughter said to me you agreed to use the fare meter and the difference was so small. I had no choice and paid him Rs.450(not Rs.470).

  Not all the taxi drivers can speak English : It means they cannot read the map. Even if they don’t know the destination I tell, they begin driving. And somewhere near the destination, they stop the taxi and ask someone around there how to get to the destination. Moreover, people do not always answer the right way. How come? It is normal in India. As long as I can go to the destination safely, it’s ok with me. 

 Note : Rs.(Rupee)1＝2 Yen

             Pre-paid Taxi is taken for the safety of the passengers in India. We pay the taxi fare in advance at the pre-paid taxi counter and get a piece of paper that shows the number of the taxi. At the taxi stand, showing that paper to the driver and he drives us to our hotel.