Aye, you're right guys.
I'll admit I must have been wrong.
The ranks aren't backed up, I don't see 20 plus taxis ranked at the Playhouse waiting for a fare to the Waverley.
I don't see long lines of taxis with their begging lights cruising for a fare.
I don't see clusters of drivers stopping for a chit chat because they're too busy to.
I don't see the garages awash with cabbies, they're all so busy they just don't have the time.
I don't see the saloon car PH beside me on the Walk with passengers on board, while I haven't had one for half an hour.
I haven't notice the number of fares dropping from just over three to now two fares per hour.
Or the number per night from 26 on a weeknight, 42 at weekends, 50 on a busy Saturday down to 16/26/26.
And I do see hoardes of PH parked in their zones awaiting their next fare. The Grassmarket is awash with them.
And I don't see the myriad new faces in the trade replacing those who were enjoying such good fortune they retire, went back to their previous trade or just simply gave up.
And I've never had any complaints that we're too expensive.
And things are so good I've not noticed that tipping cabbies is now a distant past gig for most.
And I'm not aware of the increasing number of cabbies who are now on supplementary income benefits to allow their families to survive.
And I've not noticed the increasing number of our trade who are falling behind with mortgages, who are selling possessions off to stay afloat.
And I'm not aware of the cabbies who are not taking a night off, instead working longer every day of the week.
AYE, you wise guys are absolutely spot on. Things have never been better.
