Toot your own horn, but make sure you have something to back it up.

Author: Liu Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: Excerpt:
It's also interesting when it comes to paying for a taxi. Taxi veterans should notice that the meter often emits a faint sound before jumping to the next number. This "announcement" can be very significant for some drivers. If you can see your destination approaching and hear the taxi meter's "announcement," the driver often steps on the gas hard for a "final sprint." So when you shout "We're here! We're here!" the meter jumps too. But let's say it's a good driver. Many drivers, upon hearing that "announcement" of the meter jumping, actually slow down and come to a gentle stop before the meter jumps, delivering you before the number changes. This kind of situation, most passengers are unaware of and won't appreciate, so those drivers are accumulating good karma.
What's even more wonderful is that five years ago, while I was taking a taxi to work at "China Television," there were several cars parked in front of the company entrance. The driver had to stop slightly ahead, and just as they did, the meter jumped. Before I could even reach for my wallet, the driver said, "I'll charge you as if the meter didn't jump. What happened just now doesn't count." I said, "If it jumped, it should be charged." But I didn't expect him to get angry: "No, no, absolutely not! Otherwise, what kind of person would I be? Driving a few extra meters just to make a few extra bucks? I won't do that." His behavior was truly a display of integrity and moral character!