Cab Driver Qualities For the Best Customer Service

Excellent customer service is one of those qualities that set a company apart from its competitors, and as the transportation industry grows with multiple new-age companies striving to come to the forefront and make their unique space, the parameters of excellent service are more burdensome to gain a good hold of. Ensuring that your transportation company has the best customer service requires that the cab drivers be trained chauffeurs, not just mere drivers. 

In this blog, you will learn some qualities that cab drivers must possess to provide the best customer service. We will also look into some of the challenges that cab drivers face in India and some ways to improve cab driver health.

So, let’s dive in and learn about some qualities cab drivers must have!  

1. Knowing the Location Well: One of the most important qualities that cab drivers can possess is knowledge of the local roads, experience driving in a location, and being well aware of the roads, easier pathways, and challenges faced locally. Being aware of the routes can help cab drivers navigate through roads easily and not be dependent on GPS systems for directions. 
2. Responsibility is the Priority: Cab drivers must have another golden quality: being responsible and trustworthy. If any passenger belongings have been accidentally left in the vehicle, the driver must be responsible enough to return them to its owners. 
3. Politeness and Respect Matter: Cab drivers must also have respect, kindness, and politeness. Cab drivers should be able to stay calm and remain composed under any circumstances. Having a professional demeanor is the way to becoming a better driver, in addition to being able to drive well. 
4. Neat & Clean Cabs: Cab drivers must ensure that their vehicle is kept near and clear. They must follow regular cleaning and maintenance and keep the vehicle odor-free. As the transport industry grows and new companies keep emerging, maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness can set apart a cab service from another. Car driver health is another part of cleanliness and hygiene that cab drivers must follow. Ensure you wear a mask if you’re sick to avoid spreading your infection, and always use sanitizer. In the highly competitive scene of the transport industry, neat and clean cabs can set your company apart from the rest.
5. Time Plays the Biggest Role: Time indeed plays an important role. Arriving on time at the customer’s location and getting them to their destination on or before time can earn the company’s reputation and increase your credibility as a cab driver. 

Challenges that Cab Drivers Face 

Cab drivers face a lot of challenges as part of their jobs. Often, driving for long hours on the roads can bring about several physical and emotional health issues. Here are some everyday struggles that cab drivers face: 

Mental Health Struggles: 

Cab drivers spend a lot of time on the roads, driving alone and working for long hours, leading to social isolation from their family and friends. This can take a toll on their emotional health. Sometimes, there can be difficult or rude passengers, and the roads might be congested or have high traffic. Amidst this situation, the work pressure to meet their daily targets can aggravate them and cause mental struggles. In addition, unpredictable income can lead to financial stress, which can impact the mental health of cab drivers.

Stress and Anxiety: 

Navigating through high-traffic areas can be a challenge. Other aggressive cab drivers on the road and unpredictable road conditions can also make it difficult to cope. Irregular working hours, a lack of balance and routine in one’s life, and personal life issues are some other stressors that cause stress and anxiety. 

Sleep Disorders: 

Irregular sleeping patterns due to irregular working hours can lead to sleep disorders by causing a disturbance in the body’s natural sleep cycle. Long working hours can also contribute to sleep deprivation. On the road, cab drivers have limited chances to set up a comfortable environment for rest. This can cause poor quality sleep. 

Strategies for Improving Cab Driver Health

Following are some strategic ways to improve cab driver health. 

Ergonomic Adjustments: First, cab drivers must ensure that their car seats are comfortable enough for them to sit and drive for long hours. They should invest in seat cushions that provide lumbar support to reduce back pain and discomfort. Next, cab drivers should ensure that their sitting posture is proper. Adjusting the seat to avoid straining the neck and back is essential. Lastly, regular breaks are recommended to reduce muscle tension, stiffness, and fatigue. 

Healthy Eating Habits: Cab drivers must eat a healthy and balanced diet and avoid eating from outside. Healthy snacks, such as fruits, nuts, or something light like chaas or curd, can be carried along. Hydration is another important component for optimal cab driver health, especially in the summer, and sugary and fizzy drinks must be avoided. 

Regular Physical Activity: Since driving doesn’t involve physical movement, bodies tend to get stiff over time, which can lead to many physical illnesses. To keep the body active, one must take enough regular breaks and get moving. 

Sleep Hygiene: Cab drivers should try to get enough sleep to avoid feeling drowsy on the road. To ensure proper sleep, one must avoid stimulants like caffeine and prevent using their phones before bedtime. 

These are some ways to improve cab driver health. 

Conclusion

Cab drivers must inculcate the discussed qualities and ensure their health is up to par to become better drivers. 

FAQs

1. What are the basic requirements to become a cab driver?

To become a cab driver, you must have a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, a minimum age of 18 years, and a clean driving record and background. 

2. How much do cab drivers typically earn?

Cab drivers typically earn between Rs 20,000 and Rs 35,000 per month in India, but this figure can fluctuate depending on other factors. 

3. What do cab drivers face the most common health issues?

Issues that affect cab driver health include musculoskeletal problems (back and neck pain), mental health struggles (stress, anxiety, depression), sleep disorders, and chronic conditions like obesity and hypertension due to a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.

4. How do cab drivers deal with difficult passengers?

Cab drivers often deal with difficult passengers by remaining calm and professional, setting clear boundaries, using conflict resolution skills, and, if necessary, contacting their driver-partner manager or local authorities for assistance.