It’s a happy hundred for your Secret Glasgow Taxi Driver column today.

(Readers shout: “Hip hip … hooray!”)

Yes, by my counting this is column number 100 since I started writing on these pages little over two years ago.

All credit to the Glasgow Times for giving us this platform and striving to show a view of the city through the eyes of a humble hackney driver.

Going back to the start, I remember the first two, maybe three, columns were 100% humour, jokes heard in the back of the cab, all the fun and games.

Then the most unwelcome passenger arrived to join us on our journey – Covid-19!

When we wrote that first column we couldn’t have made up the next two years, not in our wildest nightmares.

The world has changed, the city has changed and the taxi trade has changed, each facing new and complex challenges on the road in front of us.

The challenges we faced two years ago don’t seem quite as bad now, do they.

However this column has always tried to look on the bright side, share the positives and talk about the most important ingredient in the Glasgow taxi sector – its people.

As I’ve said before, if People Make Glasgow then most certainly People Make Glasgow Taxis too – from our call centre handlers and office staff, to our members and drivers.

And looking ahead to the next two years, it’s drivers we will need most of all. As it’s not true to say there is a shortage of taxis in Glasgow, there is in fact a shortage of taxi drivers to fill existing cabs.

So if you are reading this, thinking of a career change and want flexible hours in your life, get in touch on the Glasgow Taxis website and give us a try.

(And if you are reading this from Glasgow City Council, gonna make it a bit easier and quicker for people to join our trade, please).

So 100th column nearly done, and thinking that if we reach the 200th that will appear circa Q1 2024, here’s a very quick wish list for two years’ time:

1.       Glasgow Taxi operators and drivers are fully supported to continue our proud and longstanding contribution to the city’s economy, people and reputation

2.       The Glasgow Taxi Outing to Troon runs in 2024 after successfully returning in 2022

3.       Unstoppable 2022 World Cup winners Scotland continue preparations for EURO 2024

Two out of three would do just fine!

Stay safe – and thanks for your support.