The Ultimate Taxi

David Letterman makes jokes about them all the time. In old detective movies, it was the good guy who always said “Follow that cab!” They are not as important as a mode of transportation as they used to be, but they are still indispensable. I am, of course, talking about the taxi cab. (Just ask Roger Rabbit how important is it to have a cab handy). With all that time on their hands, it was only a matter of time that an enterprising driver came up with a unique way of spicing up his rides. Today’s Internet side shows one that is really almost out of this world.

The Ultimate Taxi is hosted by driver Jon Barnes, and is a 30-40 minute musical, magical adventure around Aspen, Colorado. While it is not a cheap ride, it does feature a lot of amenities that you don’t find in your normal taxi, such as toys, photos, 3D glasses, rainbow glasses, and (surprise) a page in Jon’s Web site.

You can take a guided tour of his taxi, both inside and outside of the cab (courtesy of the New Virtual Earth Technology Preview Site by Microsoft). There are message boards, fireworks, skiing reservations, and a detailed history of the cab (a 1978 Checker with 493,768 miles on the odometer). But what really makes this site rock (besides the design) is the photo section. You would be surprised at who has been in his cab. Everyone from all walks of life, from politicians (Bob Dole) to movie stars (Dudely Moore, Clint Eastwood), rock stars (Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton), and icons of American industry (Lee Iacoca). There are many more. Be sure to check out the Jerry Jeff Walker video show. There is also a very eclectic set of links for this site, some of which I am still wondering about (such as the NEXT Advance Laboratory Instruments Biotechnology Lab Freedom - a real Web site, just not sure how it wound up here).

The Warp-o-Meter really likes this site and gives it a 9.5. It is cool to see every that is not only on the site, but what is on the car (and in it). Jon has his phone number here so you can call or make reservations. Be sure to give him a look the next time you’re in Aspen.