Waiting for the elusive taxi

Salim N., 38, India, Shop supervisor:

"When I get taxis they are sometimes good and sometimes bad. They often don't take the right route or don't even come if you order one. If they are in the area they are quick, but otherwise they don't show up. Change is another big problem because they never have any. Sometimes they are rude when you want to go in the direction they don't want to go in, and they tell you to get another taxi."

Geraleh Monajemi, 23, Canada, Teacher:

"I get a taxi mostly when I go out, perhaps once a month. I like the fact they know where you live because in Canada we don't have this service. The bad thing is they normally smell so they should get some air freshener in the cars. I've had drivers that drive like crazy but it depends ... but the worst is they expect the change as a tip or just don't have any change. I had an argument with a driver once about the radio station. I think the customer gets to decide."

Mylene Bongyad, 27, The Philippines, Beautician:

"Some taxi drivers are really patient and sometimes they are rude. They don't always know the direction or just drive around and take the long way if it is a short distance. But I find that they are really good and patient compared to taxis in the Philippines. Everywhere you go with a taxi you feel safe and I have always been offered my change back. I think they try their best."

Bhim Bahadurgurung, 26, The Philippines, Shop assistant:

"When I order a taxi sometimes they don't turn up for an hour and a half so it's tiring to wait. They also complain about where I am going, especially if I want to go to Sharjah where I live. They don't want to come there either. I get a taxi maybe once a week. I don't think it is so hard to be a taxi driver although the traffic is really bad."