In efforts to reduce homicides, bulletproof partitions were introduced in many taxicabs in the 1990s, and in the 21st century, security cameras were added to many taxicabs. Security cameras have been shown to be more effective when implemented by cities and not taxicab companies. Cab drivers also work together to protect one another both from physical threats and passengers who refuse to pay. The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association was established in 1917 in the United States, and is a non-profit trade association of and for the private passenger transportation industry.
Danny DeVito hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live soon after Taxi was canceled after the fourth season. In addition, the Taxi cast members were given an opportunity for closure, which up to that point had been denied for them due to the abrupt cancellation. The actors took their “final” bows during DeVito’s opening monologue, only to have NBC pick up the show. Taxi was inspired by the non-fiction article “Night-Shifting for the Hip Fleet” by Mark Jacobson, which appeared in the September 22, 1975, issue of New York magazine. cabs in Airdrie helped suggest the idea for the show to James L. Brooks and David Davis, though nothing from the article was used directly.
Robin Williams was considered for the role, but he was already committed to Mork & Mindy. He is signed by a famous manager, but it turns out she only wants him as a lover, not a client. Later he is cast in the pilot for a soap opera, but his part is recast when the series goes into production.
Over time, the term has become somewhat generic and now applies to all people who find or curate artists and/or the music used in the record label, music publishing, and film & TV licensing aspects of the music industry. The show focuses on the employees of the fictional Sunshine Cab Company, and its principal setting is the company’s fleet garage in Manhattan. Among the drivers, only Alex Reiger, who is disillusioned with life, considers cab driving his profession. The results of taxi deregulation in specific cities has varied widely.
The article was a profile of several drivers who worked the night shift for a New York cab company. In his first appearance, Tony fights a former boxing champ whose best days are behind him. He becomes troubled when he realizes that the champ is dedicating the fight to wheelchair user Brian. Jeff Bennett (J. Alan Thomas), Sunshine Cab’s assistant dispatcher, he shares the “cage” with Louie but rarely speaks or interacts with the other characters. A quiet African-American man with an afro, Jeff appears throughout the show’s run, initially as a bit part player and/or background performer.