A Day in the Life… of a taxi driver

Katelyn Wyszynski / staff photographer Kiam Ali Raza, better known to students as Ali, has been a taxi driver in the 'Burg for six years, and has enjoyed every single bit of it.

As a student, it’s hard to get around. After a hard week of classes, many want to escape their worries and party. But the problem for weekend party animals is that reliable transportation — though calling a cab always is a good option. Kiam Ali Raza, better known as Ali, has been a taxi driver in Harrisonburg for six years. He is employed by ABC Cab, a three-week-old company managed by his brother, Musa.

Ali is a native of Pakistan, where he went to a private army school and learned English. Driving taxis is Ali’s first job since he arrived in the United States six years ago.

"Like any other business, it’s about give and take," Ali said.

Ali offers reliable transportation with excellent customer service. In return, he earns his clients’ trust and patronage.

"Cabs are an asset to the college population because they increase safety," junior Sarah Smith said. "They decrease drunk driving and there are less people walking alone at night."

Although Ali works demanding night shifts from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m., he said time flies by because he loves his job. Some of his customers prefer his service so much that they refuse to accept rides from other drivers.

"Our cab drivers don’t rip us off or overcharge us or go the long way," junior Briana Rose said. "They always hold conversations with us and let us smoke whenever in their cabs."

Ali said he tries to take care of his loyal customers — he even takes calls from them on his personal cell phone. In fact, it rings off the hook the whole night.

The job, Ali added, keeps his spirit young. When asked about his age, he laughs and says, "My age never changes. Since six years ago, my age is 26."

Ali’s job also makes for some very interesting stories. "I’ve seen everything," he said. "I’m telling you. Everything."

Although he may be young at heart, Ali knows where to draw the line. "A lot of times some girls get drunk every night," he said. "And I tell them, ‘You gotta calm down,’ like a big brother. They listen."
Ali isn’t just a taxi driver. It appears that in his career he’s been a friend, brother, matchmaker, father, psychiatrist and caretaker to the people he serves. In short, as Ali proudly puts it, "I’m just always there, and I’m all theirs."