Uchiyama Masami, 46
Taxi Driver from Kumamoto
What is a taxi driver’s day like?
Drivers work 10-12 days a month, usually driving around looking for customers. The night shift, for example, is from 6pm ot 6am. Drivers can take a three to four hour break. Some go home, some eat, some sleep in the taxi.How much time off do drivers get?
Drivers work 18 out of 30 days. They determine their own schedule. During New Year’s, whoever wants the time off can take it. That’s not good for the company, as we might not have enough drivers at certain times.What about the salary?
Since we’re in a recession, salaries have decreased. The amount changes with the number of customers driven. A good month would see ¥200,000. A bad month, however, may be ¥100,000 or even less. Bonuses are based on salary. A half-year bonus for a ¥200,000 salary might be ¥250,000.What are the good and bad points?
Drivers complain about bicycles and motorbikes in particular. A biker might be staring at a red light, and still go right through! Bikers are more easily hurt in an accident, so we have to be careful. Another bad point is low income and the recession hurts. Drivers can, however, make their own free time. Even while working, they can enjoy a sense of freedom driving around. But if they get caught playing pachinko or gambling, they get fired.Why do so many drivers leave their engines idling in all kinds of weather?
Most times of the year either a heater or cooler is needed. Drivers are on the road a lot, so if they turn their engines on and off all the time it affects the mileage.Isn’t it still cheaper to cut the engine?
I haven’t seen the data. Forgive me for saying so--this is just my thinking--but if a customer comes, and the temperature isn’t just right, they’ll think something is strange. Of course we’re aware of the environmental issues. If many taxis are lined up in front of a hotel, for example, they should cut the engine because it’s noisy and smelly. But leaving engines idling is a decision individual drivers make.the end
This interview was originally published in Kansai Time Out magazine.