The next decade....what's in store?

Oscar, the Route Taxi driver

In the 70's I believe it was, cars used to be assembled in Trinidad. You can spot those cars now a mile away because they have the old time shape, and so many new cars have been imported into Trinidad.

Well, even if Oscar's car wasn't one of the old types, you got spot it....and hear it from a mile away. Painted in bright blue, red and white, it sat at the corner of the Republic Bank and bMobile buildings just off Independence Square. Unfortunately, it was the first in line at the taxi stand so I didn't have a choice. Well I guess I did because I saw another guy avoid it and go in the car behind. But I was in a hurry (for an interview that didn't materialize), so jumped in the front seat....

I thought the front seat was for one, but lo and behold there came an old man standing expectantly at the door. Reluctantly, I opened.

After Oscar was finished canvassing customers for the $3 ride, he got in to the car, reached somewhere under the steering wheel base and started the car. NOTE: He did not use a key! Then the car moved off. Sounded like a bad LIAT flight! Everytime he stepped on the gas, you heard VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM as if the poor thing was struggling.

Turning on to Wrightson Road, I had a bit of fear as Oscar, who must be in his 70's, kept veering into other people's lane! Quite a few cars blew us.

He started out his conversation for the drive by saying he don't know how so much people in Trinidad have cell phone, how some have two and three, and is really a commodity they selling, not a service. He say he must be the only person in Trinidad not to have a cell phone....he cyaan afford it.

All four passengers got out long before me, and by the time he dropped me off at Long Circular Mall, my ear drums had had enough of the VOOOOOMING. The important thing though is that I arrived safely. Actually with these route taxis, I prefer to take the older fellas. No chance of disappearing in a cane piece with them!

Posted by yamfoot at May 27, 2006 09:25 PM