Once upon a time, you could sit in peace in a cab. You could get in, tell the cab driver where you wanted to go with little explanation, and you could trust the driver to take you in a knowledgeable manner to your destination. Perhaps you’d even get a bit of off-kilter conversation, enough to open a wee window on the world of People Not Like You. Not so, anymore.

A recent spate of worse than usual cab action has prompted us to turn our hating eye on NYC cabbies. Within the past few weeks, I’ve listened to a cabbie toggle through his ringtones (”I just got a new cell phone, I’m trying to set up the voicemail and ringtones”) for 20 minutes straight. And then there was the time it was raining and I got passed up — unlawfully I might add — by two on-duty cabs for a ride to the airport.

Of course that’s not to mention the at this point completely standard, but no less annoying and unprofessional behavior: ceaseless cell phone chatter, borderline ignorance about any non-numbered Manhattan street and how to get there, and stubborn attitude about actually dropping you off at your requested destination.

Incidentally, excerpts from the TLC:

What is the law for cell phone usage and taxicab drivers? From Driver Rule 2-25h (in PDF):
According to the Taxi and Limousine Commission rules, drivers are not allowed to use cellular phones or any communication device, hands free or otherwise, while operating a cab.

& the entertaining Taxicab Rider Bill of Rights:

As a taxi rider, you have the right to:

• Direct the destination and route used;
• Travel to any destination in the five boroughs of the City of New York;
• A courteous, English-speaking driver who knows the streets in Manhattan and the way to major destinations in other boroughs;
• A driver who knows and obeys all traffic laws;
• Air-conditioning on demand;
• A radio-free (silent) trip;
• Smoke and incense-free air;
• A clean passenger seat area;
• A clean trunk
• A driver who uses the horn only when necessary to warn of danger; and
• Refuse to tip, if the above are not complied with.