The cabbies’ code for the ride

In 2008, Hyderabad’s new airport at Shamshabad, about 25 km away from the city, was inaugurated, and radio cabs were introduced.

I had the pleasure of meeting a cab driver, who I shall refer to as Mr Rao. He was well-dressed, articulate, and courteous. I began to patronise his services, and we developed a rapport.

On one occasion, I booked Mr Rao’s cab for an early morning flight to Bhopal. However, at 4:25 am, when I received a call from a stranger, Reddy, who introduced himself as a fellow cab driver, I was surprised. Reddy explained that Mr Rao had sent him as a substitute. I told him I would be in the cab within two minutes. As I was stepping out of the house, my cell phone rang again, and this time it was Mr Rao expressing his inability to come. I thanked him and proceeded to the airport with Reddy, an elderly, courteous man but reserved. 

As fate would have it, I encountered Reddy on several return trips. We became acquainted, and I learnt more about him. On one occasion, I booked Reddy’s cab for a 5 am ride to the airport. The following morning, as I approached the cab, I was surprised to find the familiar face of Mr Rao instead of Reddy. Mr Rao greeted me with his usual cheer and helped me into the cab. 

As we were moving, Mr Rao told me that cab drivers followed their own code of conduct, albeit unwritten. As Mr Rao had introduced Reddy to me, between them, I would always be treated as Mr Rao’s fare. Similarly, if Reddy introduced Mr Rao to his fare, the latter would always treat that person as Reddy’s fare. They would step in only as substitutes whenever the other could not turn up. This was quite a revelation for me, used to the competitive ways of the world.  

All along the way to the airport, I was ruminating over the cabbies’ integrity towards, and regard for, each other. It made me wonder how many of the ‘elite’ professionals measured up to this exacting standard of integrity and regard for their fellow practitioners. 

Integrity is a virtue that speaks volumes about a person’s character. It is a misconception to assume that integrity is the preserve of the educated and the elite. When individuals in positions of power or influence exhibit integrity, it is expected of them. However, when ordinary people demonstrate integrity, it is truly commendable. Hats off to these exemplary individuals!