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In Baltimore, the black market cabs are called "hacks". They exist mainly because people don't have enough money to afford cabs and there aren't enough bus rout
by peterwwillis 10y ago
In Baltimore, the black market cabs are called "hacks". They exist mainly because people don't have enough money to afford cabs and there aren't enough bus routes.
"Hacking" involves driving along popular roads looking for people who use their index and middle finger to claw at the air ("hawkin'") to indicate they'd like a ride. Fares are hashed out before the ride begins, usually a flat rate, and well under the price of a cab. These illegal cabs sometimes take advantage of the riders because they can't complain to the police. Though in many cases one might develop a relationship with a particular hack and call them directly for rides.
- 6stringmerc 10y agoCan genuinely say that back when I was in Austin for a couple years, partying hard and occasionally linked up with some other go-getters, most of them had business cards for Taxis or Town Cars that would cater to well-to-do individuals, mostly college-aged party scene people. This was about a decade ago and I thought it was quite useful at the time.
- peterwwillis 10y agoThat's traditionally called a "black car service", a sort of independent contractor fancy taxi. Different from a limousine or executive car service. http://www.allstarlimo.com/All-Star-Limo-Blog/2013/8/Executive-Car-Service-Vs-Black-Car-Service http://www.allstarlimo.com/All-Star-Limo-Blog/2013/8/Executi...