How to get where you're going

Island living tip: if you're taking a taxi and you want to get where you're going without extreme delays, get in a car that's already full of people who are going farther than you, but in the same direction.

Since taxis are shared, they often require flexibility in planning. Sometimes it takes 10 minutes, sometimes 45. Let's take a look at some reasons why it might take longer:

The Errand Runner: She's got a list of places to go, but she can't be bothered to walk there. It's all on the way, so why not make the driver stop at the shop for phone credit, the vegetables sellers for salad fixings, and at her husband's work so she can deliver his snack?

The One Who Lives Far From the Main Road: Everyone in the taxi is going the same direction... sort of. But this one lives at the far end of a dead-end road, and wants to be delivered to his door. Maybe he's old, maybe he's got lots of bags, and maybe he is just lazy, but everyone else goes along for the ride as he gets door-front service.

Pick up and drop off: This taxi might be full, but everyone is stopping at different places. So you go 100 meters, drop someone off, go another 100 meters and pick someone up, rinse and repeat. You never leave the main road, you never stop for long, but all the stopping slows you down significantly.

The longer way around: Maybe traffic's slow, maybe those in the car are going slightly different directions, but for whatever reason you're not taking the direct route today. A five minute ride is now guaranteed to take at least 15.

Remember my "island living tip"? Really, that's a lesson for all of life-- if you want to get where you're going in life without too many delays or distractions, surround yourself with people who are going farther than you, but in the same direction.