"I have said before, the only thing a red-plate guarantees is a properly insured ride, not morals."
Amen sistah. Also, please remember - not all red plated taxis are ROUTE taxis. My private drivers have red plates (meaning they are licensed and insured) but do not drive a route.
"I had a recent experience where I wasn't comfortable with the last passenger still in the car when I was being dropped off, and I didn't know how to handle that. "
I've had similar experiences with drivers, passengers - the minute my gut says get out is the minute I say "one stop" wherever I am.
"What do I do here? I carry - and am prepared to use - pepper spray."
Pepper spay saved a friend of mine's life in Little Bay. It is a smart move - P-Spray rental business, yes good but yee gads - this is what it's come to?