There was a time when taxi rides were moments of peaceful relaxation. I would lean back, sometimes fall asleep, and admire the passing scenery. I would observe people, listen to music, or watch videos. That is a far cry from my current commutes. Around 70pc of my phone time is spent on work, spilling over into my taxi journeys and even the moments spent waiting for a ride. The tranquillity is gone, replaced by constant, low-level stress.
On top of that, I am often expected to act as an impromptu fare collector. In taxis without assistants, which is common, if I sit in the front, the driver will sometimes turn and ask me to collect the fares. While I want to refuse, a sense of shame and a social obligation usually compels me to comply. As soon as the request is made, passengers start thrusting money into my hands. I am left scrambling to gather my thoughts, let alone the fares.
When I sit in the assistant’s seat, even without a direct request, passengers assume I am responsible for collecting money. The mental gymnastics are exhausting. I must track who has paid, who has not, who got off halfway, and who boarded later, all while considering that I may need to get off before others. Then comes the agonising task of calculating the total, often facing discrepancies. The driver may claim a different amount, forcing me to retrace my mental accounting and figure out who might have shortchanged me or who I owe change. The entire experience is a whirlwind of frantic calculations, with 200 Br and 100 Br notes being thrust at me from all sides and everyone impatiently waiting for their change. It is a stressful, demanding job I never signed up for. All I want is to focus on my work and reach my destination peacefully.
Remember when some taxi drivers would let a passenger ride free in return for collecting fares? It was a kind gesture, though many passengers would refuse. It was not expected, just a nice way to say thanks. I am not suggesting drivers should pay passengers, but a little appreciation went a long way. Now, it is expected that someone collects the fare, and that someone is usually the passenger in the front seat. What was once a nice gesture has become an obligation.
Although many passengers are happy to help, it is still not right. It is generous that so many are understanding, but it does not change the fact that it is an extra burden on those simply trying to get to their destination. It is unfair to place this pressure on passengers, as it makes for an uncomfortable ride.
The solution is simple: drivers should hire assistants from the start. It is not passengers’ responsibility to compensate for their decision not to hire one, whether due to cost or other reasons. I am happy to help, but not in this way. If not, drivers should collect the fare themselves, as many do. If I hesitate or refuse, I am met with judgmental stares, often seen as arrogance or a lack of community spirit. The driver’s concerned expression, laced with disapproval, is a recurring experience. It is a subtle but powerful form of coercion, reinforcing the expectation that I should always assist, regardless of my own comfort or workload.
This needs to change. People must normalise saying “no” and prioritising their own well-being without guilt or the fear of being labelled as inconsiderate. I am not naturally a stuck-up person, but if you refuse a driver’s request, they often assume it is because you are. I still remember one driver’s disapproving look, a reminder of the unspoken social contract that forces me into this unwanted role. The constant worry about forgetting my umbrella or other belongings while rushing to make change, and often getting off the taxi earlier than planned, only adds to the stress. While collecting fares may seem like a small task, the cumulative pressure is heavy.
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