Arizona cab driver honored with top driver award

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - The best cab driver in America lives here in the valley; it's a top honor given by the Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit Association.

His name is Al Tracy, and he's been a driver with Discount Cab for four years now. He loves his job and says it is so much more than getting passengers from point A to point B.

The view inside a cab is usually the running meter, and the back of the driver's head. But Tracy tries to bring more to the ride.

"Positive attitude, attitude is everything they say, so that is what I try to show," he said.

It must be working as Al was awarded the Best in America honor at a trade association event. Tracy has been driving for just four years.

"It's a good business and an honest living," he said.

Tracy says the taxi business is in turmoil right now.

"The industry is in flux with Uber and everything going on, so there's going to be some big changes."

Tracy spends 50-60 hours a week on Valley roads.

"There are some really bad drivers here, they're very rude and stuff, but you have to go with the flow. Fortunately I haven't had a ticket since 1990, and I'd like to keep it that way," said Tracy.

2-years-ago Tracy was rear-ended by a speeding driver who was texting and didn't see the stopped cab at a stop sign.

Valley drivers maybe not so good, but passengers?

"Most people here in Phoenix are very friendly, and I love the tourists in the winter time, especially the Canadians, they're a lot of fun, they love hockey and sports," said Tracy.