Best of 2001: Best Free Ride

Orange Cab
3911 Pacific Highway, Downtown
619-291-3333 or 619-291-4444

The drivers at Orange Cab are independent operators who pay a fee for company services like radio dispatch. Being self-employed (Orange owns no taxis), the cabbies are often willing to negotiate their fares with passengers. Sometimes the ride is free. By arrangement with USD, students too inebriated to drive can call for a free ride home, as long as the destination is on campus or a residence (student ID required). Another deal, with the U.S. Navy, provides Navy personnel with free transportation between certain ships, submarines, and the 32nd Street Navy base. Catching that free ride may take some waiting, however, as drivers are allowed to pass on a pickup rather than deferring fares.