Review

How to Pacify a Panicked Passenger

In my line of work as a cab driver, Ive encountered all kinds of passengers. There are commuters who are just silent throughout the travel, and others who talk non-stop. Some are already preoccupied with work, others are mindlessly passing out time with various quirks that drive me mad.

At Universal Taxi, we are trained to respond to various situations smartly and quickly. And that quick thinking is often stretched to its limits when handling a passenger in a full-blown panic attack.

The most important thing to remember when you have a passenger who’s having a panic attack is that whatever is happening before your eyes might be a life-and-death situation. Never disregard or deal with it nonchalantly. If your passenger is panicking, he may steadily become anxious and pass out.

Help your passenger by:

  • Staying calm yourself.

You cant combat a panicked situation with a volatile reaction. Unless youre professionally trained, avoid using the infamous Dont Panic! line to your passenger. In fact, never use that phrase altogether. Go for assuring words such as Its going to be okay or You have nothing to worry about to calm him down. Also, park the taxi in the nearest safe area and speak with him in short, simple sentences.

  • Offering medicine (if he has one).

Dont make assumptions here because, again, this can quickly turn into a deadly situation. Rather than frantically going through the passengers things, ask him if he has a medicine for such a situation. You may also him ask if you can call someone  a family member or a friend  who is experienced with his attacks to help you guide him back to normalcy. Often people who are prone to panic attacks know what they need to do during an episode, so all you have to do is ask.

  • Asking the passenger to focus on one thing only.

If you deem that slow breathing is the way to go, help him do it by breathing with him or by slowly monitoring his progress. Alternatively, you can ask your passenger to repeat one mundane task (ex. raising his arms over his head or opening and closing one of his hands) until the lull of the task lessens his agitation.

  • Assessing the situation quickly.

If your passenger is just starting to panic, with gentle words and even breathing, you can help him rein over the anxiousness. However, if its going into a full-blown panic attack, a quick call to 911 is a smart move to make. If youre near a Chicago hospital, you may also rush him there for him to receive immediate medical attention. Also, calling your taxi company helps. At Universal Taxi, were trained to respond to this situation.

The simplest things can prompt a panic attack. And most of the time, you have no idea what these triggers are. You just need to have the presence of mind to help your customer. Even during your worst day as a cabbie, dont make your passenger feel as if you dont have his back during a panic attack.

Review

How to Deal with Chicago Traffic

Traffic. Its usually an expected occurrence these days, but when youre just trying to be on time for your appointment, road congestion can be a nightmare.
Chicagos gridlock is considered one of the worst in the US, and perhaps the world. For most travelers passing through the Windy City, the first obstacle they need to deal with is getting out the city as quickly (and safely) as possible. Once they hit the open road, the road trip is officially on. But for daily commuters around the city, Chicago traffic can be their personal kind of hell.
As a long-time cabbie from the Universal Taxi Dispatch, here are guaranteed tips I can give you on managing Chicago traffic.

  • Avoid commuting during the rush hour.

Its that simple, and yet complicated. If you have the leisure of traveling whenever you want or clocking out early from the office, you can easily avoid the rush hour. Otherwise, youre stuck with many commuters on the road. If youre commuting in the morning, never leave home between 7 am and 9:30 am. If its in the latter part of the day, avoid Chicago highways between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm. If possible, leave at 6 am or 10 am, and go home at 3 pm or 7 pm.

  • Do not leave Chicago on a Friday evening.

If you think leaving early (Friday evening) for a weekend trip is the best thing you can do to avoid traffic, then think again. Unless you wait at least 7 pm onwards on Friday or until Saturday morning, dont push it. This tip is particularly valid during Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends.In connection with that, if youre celebrating Thanksgiving outside Chicago, dont wait until Wednesday to leave. If possible, take a leave from work a day early, and start your road trip on a Tuesday.

  • Use the public transportation.

Sometimes, its more tiresome to drive AND wait for the traffic to subside. Its better to just wait for the rush to lull inside a cab, a bus or a train. Commuting can, ironically, relax you if you just go with the flow. Talk to your fellow commuters, listen to your favorite playlist or chat with your loved ones using your phone. Keep yourself busy, and without you knowing it, youre finally where youre supposed to be.

  • Be updated on public road constructions.

Check traffic websites or the news at least 30 minutes before going out so you can plan your commute accordingly. Theres always an alternative route, you just have to be updated to save time.

  • Use traffic apps to check the road.

If you’re already on the road and heard about a road construction or closure, use a traffic app to navigate your way out of the stagnant sea of vehicles. You can use the following apps, the last three are specially tailored for Chicago roads:

Google Maps
Waze
Inrix HD
TransitGenie
Hopstop

You dont have to suffer all the time because of the traffic. If you dont want the stress it brings, use a transport service such as Universal Taxi Dispatch to bring you wherever you want to go.

News, Review

How to Become a Trusted Taxi Driver

Imagine doing nothing but driving around such a beautiful city. Thats one of the ultimate perks that comes with the job of being a Chicago cabbie. If youre someone who enjoys driving around, then youve probably found the career youll definitely enjoy.

Of course, the ability to drive is not just the sole requirement to be considered as one of the best. Here are a few tips what would help you rank high above the list of the best Universal Taxi drivers of all time:

Familiarize yourself with the city.

Sure, thats a given. But sometimes, you may find yourself finding side streets you never noticed before, or areas that leave you confused. If you plan on committing to excellence, drive around the city even when youre not on duty. Cruise around areas that you dont frequently visit.

Dont talk too much.

Chicago cabbies are known for being friendly, but sometimes, too much talk can also hurt you. Make a comment or two about the city or the weather and see how the passenger reacts. From here, you can easily tell if the passenger is the chatty type, or if he or she would rather be left alone.

Try to personalize the experience.

Make each passenger as comfortable as possible. Remember that this person took a cab because they could be avoiding the crowds at the train, or are in a real hurry. Either way, make sure you make that short ride worth it. Ask them if they prefer a specific radio station, or if they find it too warm or too cold in the cab.

Dont ask for a tip straight up.

The more it becomes obvious that youre asking for a tip, the more youll get snubbed. Never as for a tip outright, wait for the passenger to give you one. Yes, the passenger knows how hellish traffic was, and how quickly you were able to get them there. If they stiff you on the tip, then there are two possibilities  they dont have enough money on them, or they werent raised to be appreciative. Either way, it doesnt change your life.

Greet them before and after the trip.

You dont have to talk the entire time. After all, its already been established that too much talking might get you into trouble. A polite Good morning or Good afternoon when the passenger gets in could go a long way, though. Add in a Thanks and a Have a good day for good measure, and you just might be looking at a generous tip.

Being a great cabbie takes time. You dont just get out there and become part of the best of the best under Universal Taxi. You have to earn it.

With these five tips, you can easily gain the trust of your passengers and start to move up to being among the best in the field. Who knows? Because of these tips, you might actually inspire someone else to be a great cabbie just like you.

News, Review

Commuting Tips for First-Timers

Based on the US Census Data on commuting, around 8% of workers in the US commute for at least an hour. If you’re about to join that percentage, be ready to battle with the strain and stress that commuting brings, especially the long ones. In Chicago, most residents who travel long distances haven’t much choice in the matter. Others settle for the commute as a necessary trade-off, swapping time for cheaper housing costs.

If this is your first time to commute, here are things you can do to help you survive your own version of a commuter nightmare.

  • Experiment.

If you choose to commute by means of a cab, optimize your travel times and routes. Try leaving at different times each day to find out if you can shave at least 10 to 15 minutes off your travel time. You can contact a taxi company (check us out at Universal Taxi) and ask the driver to pass by different routes each day to see which way is best to avoid the rush hour traffic.  

  • Try different public transportations.

If your long commute is unavoidable, pick the right form of transportation. Instead of driving yourself to work, why not hail a cab. If the daily taxi fare is not within your budget, switch it up by taking the L or the bus every now and then.

  • Use commuting tools.

There are tons of applications available specifically designed for commuting. Install everything you need – from Google Maps to the Universal Taxi app – to educate yourself about the roads you’re traveling, even if you’re not on the driver’s seat.

  • Learn new things.

Whether you’re the one driving the car or being driven, your attention is focused for that stretch of time. Take advantage of the opportunity: listen to audio books or learn a new language. If you’re a passenger, you can even finish your reports or plan your day while in transit.

  • Make it a social event.

According to experts, among the negative effects of commuting is decreased social interaction. If it’s possible, look for a travel buddy to pass the time in conversation.  The commute will feel shorter and less annoying.

If you’re taking the cab, feel free to chat with your driver. We aim to please our passengers so we try to keep abreast of current situations – from Chicago weather to Illinois politics. If you’d rather be quiet during the ride, you can stay in touch with your loved ones using your phone instead.  

  • Entertain yourself.

There’s no reason why you can’t spend the time traveling on a pure indulgence. Use this inescapable downtime to listen to your guilty pleasure songs or radio talk shows. Alternatively, you can use the idle time to mentally plan whatever it is you need to do when you get home or the next day.

It’s inevitable that you’ll get tired or drained, especially for the first few days of your daily commutes. But, if you psyche yourself well and with an army of travel resources and tools, you’ll eventually get used to it. In time, you may even enjoy the journey.

Review

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Chicago

Chicago is not just known for being the Windy City, it is also known for its rich culture as seen through the art, architecture and people within it. It is not surprising, therefore, that around 40 million people visit the city year after year.

If you want to experience Chicago yourself, then nothing beats visiting the top-rated tourist attractions in town before anything else. So the moment you get into the city, just book a Universal Taxi and ask your cabbie to take you to these places:

The Art Institute of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago collection is amazingly diverse, with everything from paintings and photographs, to architectural drawings, sculptures and more. Of course, the most sought-after exhibits here include their wide collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.

The structure is in itself a piece of art, with its beaux-arts design made by Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge.

Millennium Park

The Millennium Park is filled with elements that perfectly define Chicago, like the Cloud Gate sculpture, the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, the interactive Crown Fountain, and more. Its northern side is bordered by Randolph Street while its eastern side is bordered by Columbus Drive. At its west side is Michigan Avenue, while Monroe Street is down its southern end.

The Magnificent Mile

The Magnificent Mile is one of the major stops of every tourist in Chicago. It is a 13-block stretch right on North Michigan Avenue that starts on the banks of the Chicago River and runs all the way up to Oak Street. It is lined with notable stores, restaurants, hotels, entertainment centers and a whole lot more. Try viewing this stretchs cityscape at different times of the day and youll witness different impressive views of the Tribune Tower, the Wrigley Building, The John Hancock Center, and more.

Navy Pier

When it opened in 1916, it was mainly used as a shipping facility and an amusement area. Covering an entire 50 acres, there are shops, attractions, parks, concert venues, restaurants and gardens. Some of its more iconic features are the carousel and the 150-foot Ferris wheel.

Museum of Science and Industry

If youre interested in hands on exhibits, then the Museum of Science and Industry is perfect for you. Its premise in itself is actually interesting as they try to apply natural laws in industrial and technological development. Possibly the most impressive museum in the city, it is found at the northern end of Jackson Park.

Adler Planetarium

If you want to experience space travel, then the Adler Planetarium is a stop you cant miss. Imagine high resolution virtual reality tours of outer space  its the closest you can actually get to the heavens in this lifetime. Theres also a lot of stuff to learn here as the exhibits show you how the knowledge of man about space has evolved through the years.

If you want a real locals knowledge of other places around the city that you can visit, start talking to your Universal Taxi cabbie. Hell definitely have insider knowledge of the best spots to go to.

Insight

The Best Questions to Ask a Cabbie

Chicago cabbies are not just known for their superb driving skills, they are also known for being friendlier than other cabbies around the country, or even the world. They are, after all, used to driving tourists all over the city. And knowing what a beautiful city this is, they’ve probably had hundreds of conversations with passengers from all over, too.

But sometimes, cabbies won’t be the first ones to talk. Hop into a Universal Taxi and you’ll find that sometimes, these cabbies can be quite shy, too. Cases like these, they’re just waiting for you to ask the right questions. Any of these questions below would be the cue for them to start revealing their friendly selves:

  • “Busy day?”

Any human being would actually enjoy being asked how their day has been, especially if you’ve been behind the wheel the whole day. This is one question that would trigger a great conversation, with the cabbie telling you anything from that accident he witnessed downtown to the famous passenger he drove just before you hailed him.

  • “Pulling in a few extra hours?”

This is perfect if you booked a ride through the Universal Taxi app really late at night. It could prompt the cabbie to tell you about a new home he’s hoping to buy, or a nice gift he wants to get for his daughter. Every hour worked beyond the usual will always have a story behind it, and that’s one great story for you to hear as you drive from point A to point B.

  • “Ever had any famous passengers?”

Probably every cabbie has had a famous passenger, especially if they’ve been driving around the city for quite some time. If you chanced upon a cabbie who’s fairly new in the business however, there’s a possibility that they haven’t been lucky just yet. In this case, you can always follow that up with “I bet you’ve had some weird ones though.”

  • “You been in Chicago long?”

Although cabbies seem to have mastered the streets of Chicago, not all of them have lived around here all their lives. If you’re new around the city, maybe this will give you the chance to meet someone who also hails where you come from. And when you’re lucky enough to experience that, you’re going to find yourself enjoying the ride as you reminisce about home.

  • “How’s business these days?”

This is a particularly touchy subject, knowing that cabbies are still at war with ride-sharing services. It’s the best way to get your cab driver to talk though, knowing that they would definitely have a lot to say about the subject. If you’re the type who enjoys political conversations and other pressing issues, then this is the perfect question for you to ask.

Starting a conversation with a cabbie could be the best thing you can ever do in Chicago. It’s a great way for you to get a glimpse inside a local’s mind, and could score you a few pointers from someone who knows every road and corner in the city as well.

Insight

Three Stress-Free Ways to Commute in Style

Commuting is and will always be part of big-city life, and Chicago is no different. You’ll need to ride trains, buses, and cabs to get to where you need to be. And like in any other city, this can be a taxing and stressful activity.

For some people, they even find this as a huge waste of time because all you do is wait until you get to your destination. But this doesn’t always have to be the case. Technology has brought about a means to make commuter life easier such as MP3 players, smartphones, and the Universal Taxi app.

  • Pamper yourself during the commute.

Yes, you read that right, you can pamper yourself while riding the train or bus. Of course, this doesn’t mean getting a massage or a sponge bath during the ride. What you can do is to enhance the way your body feels.

You can increase the endorphins (a brain chemical that is responsible for making you feel positive) by listening to your favorite tunes. Better yet, why not sing along? You don’t have to belt out loudly while in the bus, you can just whisper or sing mildly. Humming or singing in your head is also good since you don’t want to bother other people.

Another way to pamper yourself is to relax your eyes. This is particularly important for those with office jobs that require them to stare at computer screens all day. This can be extra stressful to your entire body. So why not try to relax your eyes by simply following the 20/20/20 rule. Focus  and look at an object about 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Another great exercise is to roll your eyes clockwise, then counter-clockwise, and then up and down.

  • Make it productive.

Take this extra time to do something productive. Take a book with you and read. Better yet, learn something new by bringing a textbook or a how-to book. You can even try to learn a new language! And with the advent of modern technology, you don’t even have to bring an entire book with you, you can opt for e-books and read on your smartphone.

If you have an upcoming sales pitch or presentation, take this time to practice it! Go over your body language and memorize your lines. Go over the entire thing over and over in your head so that when the time comes, you won’t seem nervous or forget anything.

You can also try to save money while using the public transport system. Take out a pen and paper to track your spending for the past few days and try to budget your money to make sure you are maximizing your funds.

  • Make it easier.

Of course, with new technology comes even better ways to avoid a stressful commute brought to you by Universal Taxi. Just download the app onto your phone and login your location and destination. A taxi cab will soon be there for you. Safe, reliable, simple, and easy, this is the best way you can avoid all the hassle and stress of your daily commute.

With the help of these hassle-free tips, you can arrive at work as fresh as you were when you left the house.

Insight

Tips to Survive Chicago’s Public Transportation

Chicago has the second largest public transportation system in the United States. There are several different transport systems to choose from, such as the Metra Commuter Rail, the city buses, or taxi cabs. But if you are new to the Windy City, you might find it confusing at first because of all the routes available. So, here are tips to help you survive Chicago’s public transportation.

  1. Plan Ahead

There are a lot of places to visit and things to see in Chicago. To get the most out of your travel, plan ahead on the order of places to go to. This way, you’ll spend less time finding your way and more time enjoying the sights and sounds.

You should also learn which routes to take. Check out which sites are close to train stations or bus stops. You can use a regular map or an online map so you know the location of the places you want to visit and the landmarks you need to watch out for. If you wish to book a cabbie for the duration of your stay in Chicago, go for one who is under a legitimate taxi operating company. Take Universal Taxi Dispatch, for instance.

  1. Check Transportation Fares

Chicago offers you several ways to pay for your transportation. You can pay in cash or through your credit card. There are also transit cards you can load up with your money for easy fare payment. Choose which option is best for your itinerary. If you plan to switch your mode of transportation depending on your schedule, choosing a limited-use card is wiser than buying a full metro card.

  1. Know Your Ride

Chicago public transportation is divided into three major modes:

  • Riding the Bus

When commuting in Chicago, you would most probably take a bus. It is easy as long as you know which bus stops to wait in and what bus you should take. This is precisely the reason why it is important to plan ahead. Always check the destination signs on the bus to make sure you are on the right one.

  • Riding the Train

You can purchase Ventra Cards or tickets in every train station in Chicago. You can also load money into your card if you already have one. Also, each station has a map, so you can double check where you are and where your destination is. Follow the signs to get on the right train.

  • Riding a Taxi

Of course, the most convenient way to get around the Windy City is to ride a taxi since it can take you from point A to point B directly. And Universal Taxi has made it even easier for you to book a cab simply by downloading its app, input where you are and your destination, then a taxi will be dispatched to your location and take you to your next destination. On top of that, you can always be sure that Universal Taxi cabbies are polite, courteous, and professional.

 

For you to enjoy the best of this great city, we encourage tourists to take all three modes of transportation for a fuller and richer vacation in Chicago.

Insight

How to Act when the Cab Driver Goes into a Mild Road Rage

In a study conducted by a Connecticut auto club, commuters in 25 prominent U.S. metropolitan areas recorded occurrences of road rage in their city. This includes tailgating, profanity, and other aggravating tendencies. Out of 25 cities, Chicago ranked seventh with the worst road rage incidents. Here at Universal Taxi Dispatch, we aim to lower that rank by mentoring our taxi drivers on how to deal with road rage.

 

Road Rage Reaction as a Passenger

 

According to the US Department of Transportation, if you commute to and from work every day, you most likely spend a minimum of one hour each day in a vehicle. This amount of time raises the likelihood of you to experience road rage, even as a passenger.

 

A mildly upset cab driver because of justifiable circumstances, like a motorist who carelessly cuts him off, is easy to pacify. The hard part is when you encounter a taxi driver who takes personal offense over every little thing on the road. So, as a passenger, what is the proper way to respond when your cab driver is well into a full-blown road rage? Here are two helpful tips:

 

  1. Stay calm and sharp.

 

In actuality, when your taxi driver experiences the rage, there isn’t a great deal you can do. When he turns to you and howls, “Can you believe that? Did you see what happened? Where did that idiot learn to drive?” there is very little that you can say since the questions are rhetorical. Moreover, you can’t put a stop to the driver’s genuine feelings. His knee-jerk reaction is something you can’t prevent whether you are in agreement with him or not. In fact, either response from you can potentially make his feelings worse. If you agree with him, you validate his reaction. If not, you can frustrate him more that can make a bad situation worse. What you can do is to stay calm, vigilant and sharp. Don’t make further comments that will push him over the edge.

2. Get the driver’s attention off the road.

 

Obviously, this doesn’t mean that you avert his attention so much that he can’t properly drive anymore. Divert his attention by talking to him. If you already have an ongoing conversation that gets off track due to the road rage, the most sensible thing to do is maneuver the conversation back to the original topic. If you haven’t chatted with him yet, this is the perfect time to start a conversation. Choose a mundane topic, something that can’t get him more excited or fired up. You can also pick a topic that calls for a good amount of thought to keep the conversation going. For instance, talk about kids or mutual hobbies. Make sure to bring up topics that the driver can relate to.

 

If the driver is mildly upset, it’ll be an easy task to divert his attention. However, if he’s incredibly mad or out of line, it’s wiser, for your own safety, to ask him to stop so you can get out of the car. Lastly, make sure to report the incident to the cab service company. The Universal Taxi Dispatch, and other Chicago cab companies for that matter, will benefit a lot from this kind of feedback.

Insight

Riding a Cab around Chicago versus Taking the L

In any huge city like Chicago, there are always a number of options to get around. This can actually make commuting around the city quite confusing, but there are always pros and cons that you can consider beforehand so that you can make the most out of the time you have.

Among all the different transport choices in Chicago, it often boils down to two final options – taking the elevated train, more fondly known as the L, or taking a cab through any reputable company like Universal Taxi.

What are the risks? What are the advantages? Let’s take a look at each choice.

The Elevated Train

The El or the L takes you to different places in and around the city rather quickly. Remember that because this is a train, you do not have to worry about traffic jams or road accidents that could delay you from getting to your destination. Commuter trains are also different in every city, so getting on the L is definitely advisable if it’s your first time in Chicago.

You would have to think about what time you’ll be taking the train though, as it can get really crowded during rush hour. This is one thing that you have to consider, especially if you have no plans of getting to your destination all wrinkled up. Always check which train you are boarding as well, as different lines take you to different parts of the city as well, and you wouldn’t want to get lost and waste even more time.

Taking a Cab

The greatest thing about taking a cab around Chicago is that it picks you up right where you are, and drops you off right where you need to be. If you’re lucky enough to get an awesome cabbie, you can even find out more about the sights that you should be seeing. You would also be a lot more comfortable as compared to taking the L.

Of course, taking a cab would also mean that you would have to deal with traffic. Because of this, it is advisable to book a cab early and leave enough travel allowance for you to ensure that you get to your destination on time. Universal Taxi has a mobile app that allows you to book a cab anywhere, anytime, so it’s best that you take advantage of features like these to make the commute easier.

At the end of the day, it would all depend on what you are looking for and what you want to experience as you visit Chicago. For first-timers, it is probably best to take the L and experience how it feels like to be a regular Chicago commuter. Once that experience has been crossed off the list, you can enjoy the rest of the sights by getting a cabbie to take you around. Cabbies are always the best people to ask for recommendations on places to see, and you may even find a few surprises around every corner with their expert help.