Cabbies' confessions: From road trips to Viagra, they have story to tell

http://theedge.bostonherald.com/lifeNews/view.bg?articleid=123351

If one is to believe a Hawaiian taxi driver's recent claims, celebutante Paris Hilton allegedly answered the call of nature in his cab, leaving him to clean up after the heiress. If socialites aren't above taxi tinkling, what must cabbies face from average citizens?

The guys at Independent Cab Co. in Boston certainly have a lot to say. "I could keep you here for a month with stories," said one cabdriver, who wishes to remain anonymous. "But there are some I just wouldn't tell to a lady."

Who was the most interesting person you've driven?
Michael Miselman (of Dorchester): One time I picked up a gentleman in a three-piece suit, and I drove him to Stanaford Street, and he asked me to pick him up in a half hour. When I came back, he was dressed up in drag.

Have you gotten any crazy requests?
Anonymous: About 25 years ago, one guy wanted to go to Atlantic City. If I remember correctly, with the fares back then, it was $365.

Seems like that's a long haul for a taxi.
Anonymous: You have people wanting to go to Florida, California. One millionaire old lady used to take a cab from Boston to Florida three times a year.

Do you ever get passengers that like to talk about their problems?
Anonymous: It's taxicab confessions every day.
Miselman: They all tell you their life stories. They figure they'll never see you again.
Kenneth Gaines (of Tewksbury): I had one woman who got in and wanted to know about Viagra. She was an older lady, and no one would tell her nothing, and I told her, "Look, I'm at the age that I use it. It's no problem."

Has anyone had sex in your cab?
Anonymous: Every day. You turn around, "Cut it out, will ya? You're dirtying up my cab!"
Gaines: No. That's a no-no. If they catch a cabdriver with a prostitute in their cab, they can tear his license up.

What was the most obnoxious thing anyone has done in your cab?
Gaines: Besides throwing up, I've been beat for a couple fares.
Anonymous: I had a couple guys from BC one night, football players, and I'm taking them back to the college, and these big oxes say, "I'll fight ya double to nothing for the fare." Fortunately, the state police came by, and I put on my flashers. When I was younger, I woulda flattened 'em.