My Fare City ... A Cabbys Diary After Dark

Real Taxicab Stories by Bud Carson - San Francisco Taxi Driver

 

My Fare City - a cabby's diary after dark

I moved to San Francisco just before the 1989 earthquake. Since that time I have worked a variety of jobs, some legal and some not so legal, but never in my wildest dreams or scariest nightmares did I ever expect to be driving a taxicab from dusk 'til dawn. That's what makes life so grand, all of those blind corners can lead to almost anything. Most guys move on to other interests by the end of their first year, then there are the chosen few, who the longer we keep driving, the harder it is to get out. I was just never interested in what the establishment had to offer me. Like all "underachievers" I was intelligent enough to get by with little or no effort while putting the majority of my energy into self-medication. That's the politically correct way of saying I grew up smoking pot, eating acid,and doing whatever else whenever possible to escape the reality of a world I wanted to be as far away from as possible. I must say I did a damn good job of that, until I became a San Francisco Taxi Driver.

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"Bud Carson's My Fare City is intelligent, poetic, gritty, and gives us middle-class play it safers a facinating look at the darker side of society."




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"Bud Carson takes you on a wild taxi ride free of charge through San Francisco. You'll never be a tight tipper again! He takes risks to bring you the inside story, from admitting to smoking dope in the cab to getting laid on the job, with lively descriptions of passengers and rides. Apparantly, 'in this business you have to be careful not to get a full time girl because you end up wasting your nights servicing her instead of the vehicle.' This is uncensored reality and one of the best examples of journal work online."

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"Though I was born in the mornin', I wasn't born this morning," warns San Francisco cab driver Bud Carson, whose daily encounters are described here. A college dropout and survivor of long periods of what he calls "self-medication", Bud's dispatches offer a grittily optimistic, street- level view of the trade. Kickbacking, Dead Heading and Cracking the Nut are explained in a dictionary of cabby slang, and the logistics of the business are fascinating. Some of the darker encounters - and the neon blur of the title page - recall Scorsese, but the trouble is, so does Bud, constantly, in his narrative: "Wanting to save hookers from themselves wasn't in my job description. If I shave my head I may rethink my position." Some customer relationships are more redolent of Confessions of a Taxi Driver than Taxi Driver. Still an intriguing, if self-conscious, urban document.
 Bill Pannifer, The (London) Independent

AI chimes in on My Fare City:

"My Fare City" by Bud Carson offers a gripping and candid account of the author's life and experiences as a taxi driver in San Francisco, particularly after relocating to the city just prior to the 1989 earthquake. The narrative unveils a unique perspective on the city's underbelly, as Carson delves into his diverse range of jobs, some lawful and others more on the fringes of legality. The story takes an unexpected turn when Carson finds himself driving a taxi from dusk till dawn, an occupation he never anticipated.

The book's title, "My Fare City," aptly captures the double entendre of the urban landscape and the fares he picks up as a cab driver. Through his writing, Carson reflects on the unpredictability of life, likening it to navigating blind corners, each holding the potential for surprising and unforeseen outcomes. The dichotomy between those who quickly move on from taxi driving and the chosen few who become increasingly entrenched in the profession forms a central theme, showcasing the intricate relationship between individuals and their career choices.

Carson's narrative voice is both introspective and unapologetic. He paints a vivid picture of his early life, marked by unconventional choices and a penchant for "self-medication," which includes recreational drug use as a means of escapism. This element of his past is narrated with candor, offering insight into the author's rebellion against societal norms and his quest for a reality far removed from the one he sought to escape.

Reviews of "My Fare City" offer a glimpse into the book's impact. One reviewer notes the book's intelligence, poetic prose, and its ability to expose middle-class readers to the grittier aspects of society. Another praises the daring and unfiltered portrayal of a taxi driver's experiences, from admitting to using substances in the cab to candidly discussing relationships formed on the job.

Carson's writing style balances gritty realism with a sense of optimism born from the streets. His use of taxi driver jargon adds authenticity to the narrative, educating readers about the intricacies of the profession. The comparison to iconic cinematic works like Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver" further highlights the book's immersive quality.

In summary, "My Fare City" by Bud Carson is a captivating memoir that chronicles the author's unexpected journey into the world of taxi driving in San Francisco. It combines gritty realism with introspection, giving readers a unique glimpse into the darker corners of urban life while exploring the personal and professional evolution of its author.


My Fare City is a book by Bud Carson about his experiences as a cab driver in San Francisco. It was first published in 2002 by Xlibris Corporation. The Library of Congress Control Number for the book is 2002105339.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part, "The Night Shift," chronicles Carson's experiences driving a cab at night. He writes about the different people he meets, the places he goes, and the things he sees. The second part, "The Letters," is a collection of letters that Carson received from readers of the first part.Carson's writing is honest and unflinching. He doesn't shy away from the dark side of city life, but he also finds beauty and hope in the midst of it all. My Fare City is a fascinating and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on urban life.

Here are some additional details about the book:

  • ISBN-10: 1401020194
  • ISBN-13: 978-1401020194
  • Paperback: 224 pages
  • Publisher: Xlibris Corporation
  • Publication date: January 1, 2002

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Bud Carson My Fare City A Cabbys Diary After Dark and Letters to Bud 1998 - 2098  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED