Quote Originally Posted by wrtiii View Post
Ryan, I experienced the same issues as you, but as years go by it seems easier. I'm sure it's just that I'm getting more comfortable with the system. As drivers pull up, I just say "Route cab to ...?" and they either say yes or drive on. In general, the only issue is with non-taxis (white plate cars) trying to sell me rides. But even going out of town, I don't think it has taken us more than 10 minutes to find a route cab going where we're headed. For evening use, I do keep a few numbers of cab drivers on my phone. And I know this is controversial, but I always tip, which amounts to splitting the difference between the route cab rate and the charter rate.
wrtiii, I am with you on this. Sometimes I think I used to try too hard to avoid situations like dealing with Route Taxis but after many years, it just became second nature. I don't have a problem waving off non-taxis and any Red Plate that pulls up and doesn't have the route on the side where I am going, I clarify if it is operating as a route taxi and if not, how much is the charge. If it is reasonable, I take it and if not, I wave him off too.

It doesn't take much effort and the savings is substantial over the month or more vacations I take each year. I have at least 5 or so phone numbers to call when I need a ride somewhere and negotiate from there but most are my friends so I get a good price straight off anyways.

Also, I don't think tipping a little is that controversial. If I get into a Route Taxi that isn't full, I often offer to pay a little brawta for an extra seat for comfort (like the front passenger seat). Sometimes I even offer to pay the person's fare who is already in the front seat if they let me sit there instead of in the back of the car.

Just my opinion.