top of page

seen by a woman

taxi driver job

DSC08566.jpg
DSC08552.jpg

Obata, who has become a long-awaited new graduate female taxi driver, is interviewed by Miyagawa, who is in charge of recruitment. I asked him to talk about his job as a taxi driver.

小幡.png

​Obata Yuka

Joined in 2019

I like kojikoji, karaoke, and eating!

宮川.png

Miyagawa Mai

Joined in 2015

My hobbies are live performances, basketball, and watching dramas.

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Ms. Obata, today I would like to ask a lot of questions about what kind of work a taxi driver is from a woman's point of view.

Thank you very much.

Why did you want to become a taxi driver in the first place?

 

I was looking for a job with "sightseeing" as a keyword. I thought that sitting still in front of my desk wouldn't be suitable for me (laughs). So, I took another company as a tour conductor, but it was unsuccessful. Hitachi Motors was recruiting for the position of sightseeing taxi driver, so I applied without hesitation.

 

Mr. Obata came as an intern.

 

yes. In the summer of my third year at university, I thought about planning a tour on the "Megurin". Also, I remember that it was good that I could easily apply because there was no entry sheet (laughs).

 

It was also a point that there was no entry sheet (laughs), but I'm glad you came. Before becoming a taxi driver, there must have been many things that worried you.

 

I went to a local university, but I had never been in a car, so I was worried about driving. Of course, I didn't know the roads in Tokyo at all, so I was worried about whether I would be able to remember the roads.

 

How did you manage your anxiety?

 

During the in-house training period after joining the company, I was given many opportunities to drive to the hotel where the sales person was operating, so I was able to learn driving skills and roads little by little. I was.

 

As a company, we're trying to get people to get used to Tokyo, and I'm happy to hear that it's working. Before becoming a sightseeing taxi driver, having them work as a normal taxi driver is also for them to learn the basics.

 

I can understand the aim of the company well after I get on board. I feel that I am growing every day, including my customer service. There are rules that allow you to become a tourist taxi driver in as little as one and a half years, so I'm studying every day with that goal in mind.

 

Sightseeing taxi drivers need a "City Guide Test", but everyone is looking forward to Mr. Obata, who is so enthusiastic that he will get it during the office training period. On the day of my debut as a driver, we were all nervous, and I remember feeling very relieved when I got home.

DSC08569.jpg

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

I'm happy. I really enjoy coming to the company because all the senior drivers and the office staff are nice people. On the day of my debut, I was able to come back safely, and all I can remember is that I was relieved (laughs).

 

picture! I don't remember the first customer (laughs)

 

Thinking back, I think he was an office worker who rode to Akasaka, but I don't remember his face or the first sales. It started at 6:00, but it took 30-40 minutes for the first customer to get on, so I think I was in a hurry (laughs). But my sales were above average, so I realized that if I did my job properly, I could find customers.

 

Are there any fun things about your job, or any episodes with customers that left an impression on you?

 

Conversations with customers are always fun. I can learn about the world when I listen to stories about work, and sometimes I get love consultations (laughs). Also, I was surprised and happy when I got an entertainer on board. It may be a privilege of a driver who runs in the city. I tried my best to serve customers while pretending to be calm (laughs).

 

I honestly envy you (laughs), but meeting various people is the real pleasure of being a taxi driver. Conversely, what is the moment when you feel that you have a hard time or find it difficult?

 

There are times when I think it's difficult for customers who are drunk. In such a case, I will put my mind to "nothing" and devote myself to safe driving. I don't mean it in a strange way, I don't care, I don't care because I don't see you anymore! (laughs) Anyway, I've come to realize that if I say hello properly at the beginning, I get along well with most of the customers.

 

What are you doing with your rice? I just imagine eating rice balls in the car...

 

There is a resting spot near Tokyo Tower, so I gather with my fellow drivers at the food court and eat while chatting. I have never felt lonely because I have a safe and secure place. Don't worry, I'm not quietly eating rice balls alone (laughs).

 

I'm glad (laughs) I was relieved that I got along well with the senior drivers. Do you find this job rewarding?

DSC08543.jpg

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

Miyagawa ---

Obata ---

After all, I am happiest when my customers thank me. I was asked for a business card saying, "Please ride again." Hitachi Motors has not been nominated, so I write my name on the back of the receipt (laughs). I get paid better than my local friends. My motivation is that if I do my best, I can get paid as much as I do. I like the fact that I only have 12 days to work, which makes it easier to enrich my personal life.

 

It's full of good things. I wonder if I'll become a driver too (laughs).

 

We take care of ventilation so that it is easy to welcome new customers. Also, when the customer gets on the bus, I make sure to make eye contact with them so that they can see their faces. There is also the meaning of ascertaining the customer's mood and type, and it may also be aimed at having them recognize that "Ah, I'm a female driver." I'm conscious of trying to cherish the time when I get in the car, which is the start of communication. I can also tell you the benefits that you can feel safe driving with a female driver.

 

Being a driver is a job that makes the most of being a woman. What kind of person do you think is suitable?

 

I think it's suitable for people who want to find customers by themselves, serve them on their own, and receive money, which is self-contained work. I think this job is suitable for women who are good at being considerate. Recommended for people who want to earn money, work fewer days, or are not good at desk work (laughs).

 

I'm particular about desk work (laughs), but it's a job where you can work at your own pace and be yourself, and you can earn money. It's been very clear. Lastly, could you give a message to those who want to become female drivers?

 

I think it would be wonderful if there were more female drivers of the same generation. I will give advice from a same-sex perspective on what I have experienced, and as I have said so far, it is a job where it is easy for women to play an active role. Safety is fully ensured, so I would like you to apply with peace of mind. let's work hard together!

bottom of page