So, I decided to explore the new(ish) bay city sims again yesterday, and while waiting for a tram, away in the distance, I saw a vehicle round the corner floating on what seemed a cushion of air. As it drew nearer, I could see the words ‘Taxi’ and ‘for hire’ on it. Looking up at the overcast rainclouds windlight was rendering across my screen, I decided that I’d treat myself to a little luxury and stuck out my thumb as the taxi drew up to the kerb.
Photographe Benoir has been driving cabs in SL for about a month now. She charges L$2 a minute -significantly more than she could make working in a club, or sitting in the camping spots – but still low enough to be affordable to the average run of the mill Secondlife resident.
That said – times are hard, what with the world economy the way it is.. When I ask if being a taxi driver is a good income, my quiet driver replies simply “No.” People are cutting back on the little things these days it seems I mention, and she nods in agreement, “often its difficult to find a passenger”.
But its not all doom and gloom – Photographie goes on to tell me about a new resident who hadn’t seen much of SL before and hired a taxi to go on a tour to see some of the sights and sounds. Aparantly, it was money well spent – “She was amazed!” Photo explains. “she said ‘wow, its amazing!'”. Money well spent then, it seems. Its an easy career to get into – “Just buy a taxi” Photo tells me. As we bump across a sim border, I fasten my seatbelt.
But photo isnt happy to just be a simple driver, she has dreams, big dreams, of controlling a fleet of taxis, and she’s looking for drivers. “If you want to buy a taxi, please visit my shop – you can find a LM in my picks – a cab like this made by Cubey Terra only costs L$400”. I nod – I’m more of a builder than a taxi driver, but for new residents looking to meet people, see the sights and sounds and earn a few L$ while they’re at it, its an appealing option. And luckily, there are no maintanance costs or running fees, which can be handy as Photo explains – “I got into an accident with trolley – I had been driving too fast” (I note gladly that her driving today seems excellent, very smooth and precise) “and then, Something brown appeared – I said “ahh, what is that?” – then I crashed. And I was blown away. But the trolley was still on the rail lol” Typical trolleys, I mention “They think they own the road”.
For the L$10 that my journey cost, I arrive on time and refreshed at my destination after an interesting drive and chat. Photographie is more than happy to point out various landmarks along the way, and I happily pay her my fee and add her to my friends list. With teleports failing the way they sometimes do, I figure you never know when you might need a taxi.
The First Place for Second Life. 