Recession Taxi

Well, not exactly that far north.

But an exciting opportunity has presented itself.

The Fleet Master has generously offered Recession Taxi the opportunity to change territories and vehicles!

Here’s the deal.

I’d be moving, from northern Cook County–where I’ve been driving for the last two months–to southern Lake County. Financially, it will actually work out better: more local territory to cover, more expensive rides to and from both airports and the city and a less expensive cab lease. Equally as appealing, though, are the expanded storytelling opportunities. I plan to continue writing about my daily taxi adventures, my dealings with my Fleet Master and our family’s struggle in this recession. Moving north, though, gives me an opportunity to broaden my exploration of the human toll this recession has exacted and what’s going to be required to heal and recover.

Try these numbers on for size:

211.8%, 161.8%, 60.9%

Those are the amounts home foreclosures have gone up–in just the past year–in three of the communities I’ll be spending my days driving around in, according to a report released this week by the Woodstock Institute.

Through writing, still photography, audio and video, I hope to shed a little light on the stories behind those numbers.

But first thing’s first! I need your help!

In a phone call yesterday, the Fleet Master and I discussed my impending move. He’s thrilled. He’s got guys lining up, three deep, to jump into the cockpit of the USS Windstar 875. The big question: what will I be driving?

John, I put you in a car on Monday. I go to auction this weekend to buy car. I could put you in Windstar or Dodge Caravan, but the Crown Vic is great car. In winter, you put fifty, sixty-pound bag of rock salt in trunk and you’re good.

Geez.

This is a key decision and I can’t make it alone.

Readers, please vote and help me choose my next vehicle! And thanks, for your ongoing support.