In a short video, a 60-year-old taxi driver known as "Alexander in the yellow Toyota Camry" shares his experiences working as a taxi driver in Soviet Moscow. He reminisces about the creative and sometimes dangerous measures he and his fellow drivers used to take to navigate the challenges of their profession.
Back in the day, taxi drivers had to be resourceful and adaptable. They would not only offer rides to passengers, but also act as psychologists, investigating personal matters, and even helping families investigate the deaths of loved ones. They had to fight for their spot at the crowded train station square, engage in deadly battles with criminals, and engage in the underground economy by selling various goods from under the car mats.
According to Alexander, taxi drivers were involved in a wide range of business activities. They were not limited to the transportation of passengers. They would transport passengers to remote locations where there were no stores, and sell them goods like vodka for a profit. This was when vodka was priced at 5 rubles, but they could sell it for up to 20-25 rubles. They would also use their connections to secure hotel rooms for tourists and workers, for an additional fee, of course.
Alexander recalls the difficulties of the job, such as leaving little to no tips, and having to navigate the complexities of dealing with celebrities. He mentions that taxi drivers were often the target of scams and had to be cautious, especially when transporting high-profile passengers. Additionally, he reminisces about the times when "only fools got caught" and laughs about the nunchucks he used to keep in the glove compartment for self-defense.
As times changed and the economy shifted, the era of the unconventional taxi driver came to an end. The profession became more regulated and focused solely on transportation. While Alexander misses the excitement and freedom of those days, he acknowledges that the modern taxi industry has its own advantages and conveniences.
