Read the headline. I said it. Mark it.

I’ve taken plenty of cabs in cites across North America. Too many checkered yellow fares to count in metropolises like NYC and Toronto along with ones from places like Quebec City and Cleveland; Austin and Los Angeles.

The only time I’ve EVER felt rooked, taken, possibly afraid for my life and certainly skeevy were on the rare cab rides I had to take in my own hometown. In Buffalo. My city. The City of Good Neighbors maybe, but avoid calling a taxi if you can.

There were times when I was ripped off, taken out of the way and when I had to argue with driver. Oddly, it’s never happened anywhere else.

Taxis are not a common place thing in the Queen City. It’s a commuting town, easy enough to get around and to park. Most of us drive.

I honestly think that these things have taken the accountability away from WNY cab drivers. I’ve worked at hotels and been at enough bars and venues where concerts happen to see some foul things go down with cabs in this city.

I’m sure there’s plenty of good cab drivers in Buffalo, I’ve just never had one.

When I heard the homegrown Chicago Blackhawks star and NHL rookie of the year Pat Kane was arrested after an altercation with a cab driver, I immediately thought: The cab driver probably tried to rip him off.

Pat Kane might not be an absolute angel in this situation, but I’ll bet an NHL season’s worth of beers that he was cheated, provoked and/or somehow wronged in this instance which drove him to react.

Again: I said it here and you can mark it down.

Also… Hey: Mike Grier!!! GREAT SIGNING, SABRES!