The female tout

This week I boarded a taxi whose tout was female. She was a strong dark beauty with a flawless skin and sparkling white teeth. She was wearing a black t-shirt, navy blue jeans and black canvass shoes. Her hair was retouched and tied back in a ponytail. Overall she was casually dressed but exceedingly smart. And she went about her job meticulously.

It was a whole new experience for me. It was the same for other passengers judging by their keen interest in and response to her. It was this interest that got me noticing how different this taxi was compared to other taxis with male conductors. 

Firstly it was very clean inside with a measure of freshness that gave the impression of the newness of the taxi yet it was not new. The seat covers were evidently old, but no problem as they were well-scrubbed. No chance for lice or the irritating bedbugs that inhabit most taxis on our roads. The seats were also firmly in place, and very comfortable, not the shaky squeaky seats that make travelling by most of our taxis a gruesome affair. 

This female conductor was also different in that when she was given a big note, she returned the change instantly. She was not like those slippery male touts who when given a big note wait ages before returning your change, and in worst case scenarios shamelessly deny having received any money from the passenger. 

This female tout was practically kind too. She helped a nursing mother by carrying her child until the mother was well-sat.

I learned that doing your job well pays well. This female conductor's diligence attracts favour like a magnet pulls iron. In Wandegeya her taxi filled up quickly while others were left empty fighting for passengers.

Many passengers tipped her in appreciation of her good work and sunny disposition. I also gave her a tip and thanked her for setting the bar high as a conductor. I pray we get many more such female conductors in our taxis.