Jeff Groom 

New Times: How would you rate the condition of the roads in San Luis Obispo?

Groom: Well normally they’re pretty good, but now with all the construction going on, it can be a little irritating. But once it’s all finished, I’m sure the roads will be fine.

New Times: Do you ride a bike on your free time?

Groom: Yes I do, I ride a motorcycle and a bicycle. I mean, when you work in a car, you really don’t want to be in one on your off time.

New Times: What percentage of your fare is sober?

Groom: Probably about fifty percent, but that’s because I drive at night, so most of the fares I do are to and from the bars.

New Times: What is the craziest thing you’ve seen on the job?

Groom: That would have to be the time these guys got beat up in my cab. When we arrived at the guy’s house, these other guys rushed the cab from all sides and basically just beat these guys up. This one guy is like, ‘This isn’t about you, this is between us and them!’ And I just got out and was like, ‘Alright, just don’t mess up my cab.’

New Times: Did they pay the fare?

Groom: Yeah, luckily they had just paid. And we were at their house already so all they had to do was hobble inside afterwards.

New Times: If you could pick up any person and take them anywhere, who would it be and where would you take them?

Groom: I guess it would be nice to pick up someone famous, but I don’t have anybody specifically in mind.

New Times: Do you ever find yourself the designated driver on your nights off?

Groom: Not usually. Most of my friends are not big drinkers. The ones who are know to call a cab, so they don’t really need my help.

New Times: Have you ever stood in front of the mirror and asked yourself, ‘You talkin’ to me?’

Groom: Uh, no. Good movie, though.