This was not true in any major city, especially on a Friday/Saturday night. No shows were the norm, best bet on even moderately busy nights was to start walkin

This was not true in any major city, especially on a Friday/Saturday night. No shows were the norm, best bet on even moderately busy nights was to start walking and hope to flag a passing cab. From a cab driver perspective it makes sense, why travel somewhere empty for a pickup when you can grab a fare on the street?