Before I came to Northwestern, I had little experience with city cabs or the daredevil drivers that usually operate them. Maybe that’s why it was so surprising when I found myself on the Norshore ride from hell last week.

Things got off to a bad start when my driver showed up late. Then, after asking if he was my ride and hearing me tell him my name, he repeatedly told me to call the company and refused to let me in.

After five minutes of arguing, I finally called the company, and it was confirmed that the cab was indeed mine. Frustrated and late, I got in the car and gave the driver the address again, only to be met with a confused look. He had no idea where we were going.

During the ride, we almost got hit three times, and the driver ran a red light. Also, as he was speeding through Evanston, I started shivering from the icy breeze all four open windows were creating, so I asked to close them. He told me no and kept driving in the wrong direction.

Twenty-five minutes, $20 and one giant headache later, I was free.

Norshore, isn’t there a screening process for drivers? After talking with other students, I know that my experience isn’t unique. What exempts cab drivers from following basic traffic laws and aren’t they supposed to know where they’re going? Even if drivers get lost, can’t they be nice? What ever happened to service with a smile?

-AMANDA LUEVANOCity Council reporter