new taxi method

Taxis are one of the easiest ways to get around Cairo (unless you’re trying to cross the Nile by any of the major bridges during rush hour, which I unfortunately learned the hard way yesterday). Although, I have to say I’ve spent much time on the metro as well- it is extremely convenient, fast, and cheap with its cost equivalent to less than 20 cents. The best part about the metro is that the middle two cars are reserved for women. Women are allowed to ride in any cars, but these two are women only to uphold the many Islamic ideals that insist on separating the sexes as well as helping prevent the rampant sexual harassment here. As an avid peoplewatcher I love public transportation and seeing the wide spectrum of Islamic dress and headscarves from a mother engulfed completely by her black niqab to young girls each donning a colorful and unique hijab paired with a tight-fitting and trendy outfit is always of interest to my research observations.

BUT- back to taxis… Since they are also an extremely cheap way of getting around (you can easily get all the way from one end of the city to another for less than $5) and offer door to door service, I have often resorted to this mode of transportation. Side note- I was told that I my apartment was located near a metro station, which turned out to mean a good 25 minute walk, often making taxis a more logical answer. Taxis operate here pretty much as they do in most major cities around the world, and for the sake of foreigners now mostly use meters (previously prices were all negotiated during the ride or beforehand, and many Egyptians still prefer to use their impressive bargaining skills through this method) BUT, there is one big difference. It’s as if the taxis pulled a switcheroo and now they get to decide if they want to take you or not. Protocol is something like this:
Stick hand out (low and to the side) to hail the cab, approach the window and shout out your desired destination. The driver will then do one of two things: accept and allow you to get in or drive away. YEP, if they don’t feel like taking you they just drive away or tell you to find someone else. WHAT?! Sometimes it takes two or three attempts to clinch a driver. I’m still not sure what criteria they base their decision to drive you on, but there same process exists regardless if I’m by myself or with Egyptians. I’m glad someone explained this to me before it happened the first time or I would have been pretty offended…