Hailing a Cab

Dear Editor,
    Q: What's worse than it raining cats and dogs?
    A: Hailing taxis.
    As a taxi driver, I often see people looking confused on the sidewalks. I found that if I slow down they are often as not wanting a taxi and just don't know what to do. Others claim to be invisible. Can't help them with that, but it isn't that hard to get a taxi. Just make eye contact with the driver and wave that hand like you just saw your best friend. Almost any courteous gesture will do. At night, you can tell if the cab is loaded by the yellow lights on top of the cab. By day, the people in the back seat are a dead giveaway.
    If you're calling a taxi company, know where you are. The actual street address is what they want. At the laundrymat across the street from Conan's Pizza isn't what they need. Know the address and stay there. Don't wander off.
    Once in the taxi, tell the driver if you're using cash or credit card. If credit card, be prepared to spend a couple minutes at the end of the ride for authorization. Cash is always prefered. Have it ready at the end of the ride.
    That's it and don't forget to tip 100%.