All Comments on 'New York Taxi Driving Tales Ch. 03'

The only transportation worse than a cab in the 1970’s was the subway. I’m not sure which was grimier, the subway tunnel or the car interiors. I remember one lovely ride on the East Side line in which it seemed there wasn’t one round wheel on the train. It was like riding a bucking bronco, with more than one person launched out of the seat and onto the unbelievably filthy floor.

All that said, by the time I could afford the occasional cab, it seemed a rare treat to ride in a Checker.

Thanks.

They were so noisy I probably lost some of my hearing riding them. A lot of the cars had no air-conditioning, so the windows and end doors were open in warm weather, adding to the din. They're still pretty loud if you are standing at a station and an express train comes through. And there are still a number of stations that have never been renovated.