A taxi ride through Beirut

Some experiences are straightforward—you hail a taxi, pay the fare, and reach your destination. But what about the moments that carry a more profound weight? The unspoken exchanges, the quiet struggles, the daily resilience that shapes a city’s soul?

In this episode of Deep Dive Dardachāt, Hala and Rami explore the world of Beirut’s service taxis, a simple ride that reveals so much more than just transportation. Based on a blog post that captures the essence of life in Lebanon, this journey unfolds in the backseat of an old Mercedes, where the weight of the economy, human dignity, and quiet acts of kindness intersect.

The pulse of Beirut

The summer heat clings to your skin, the scent of diesel and shawarma lingers in the air, and the streets hum with endless movement. In this backdrop, the story begins with a service taxi, a shared ride where strangers become momentary companions, each carrying their own unseen burdens.

Hailing a service isn’t like calling an Uber. It’s a decision shaped by instinct: Who’s already. inside? Does this driver feel right? The process is unspoken, one that reflects the resilience and adaptability of a city that is always in motion.

I chose an old Mercedes, a car past its prime but still pushing forward—much like Beirut itself. And behind the wheel? A young driver mismatched with his aging vehicle. His presence sparks a question: Is this a choice or a necessity? Is he continuing a family tradition or simply making ends meet?

But the real story unfolds with the people who step into the car.

More than just a fare

The first passenger, a woman, enters with frustration on her face. She immediately argues with the driver over a small fare increase—something that, at first glance, might seem trivial. But in Lebanon’s economic crisis, nothing is trivial.

The Lebanese pound has lost over 90% of its value since 2019. A minor fare increase could mean skipping a meal or cutting back on essentials. The argument isn’t just about money—it’s about survival, about the crushing weight of uncertainty.

Then comes another passenger. A man approaches the taxi hesitantly, not quite asking for a free ride but making it clear he can’t afford to pay.

The driver doesn’t ask questions. He nods and lets him in.

No words are exchanged, but everything is understood.

In that silent moment, dignity is preserved. In a city where struggle is constant, kindness isn’t announced—it’s given freely, without expectation.

A different kind of help

The blog post doesn’t end with a plea for sympathy. Instead, it delivers a challenge:

"Thank you for the handouts, but we have a different ask. Pay us fairly. Pay us what we’re worth."

Lebanon doesn’t need pity—it needs opportunity. The people in that taxi, the driver, the passengers—they don’t want charity. They want work, respect, and the chance to rebuild.

What if more Lebanese professionals were hired for remote work instead of temporary aid? What if businesses invested in local talent rather than just sending donations? What if there was solidarity instead of sympathy?

Are you with us?

Lebanon has been through devastation—economic collapse, political instability, and the trauma of the Beirut explosion. And yet, it endures. Like that old Mercedes taxi, it keeps moving, battered but unbroken.

At the end of the blog post, the writer asks a simple but powerful question:

"Are you with us?"

It’s not just a call for help. It’s a call for respect, for partnership, for understanding.

So, as we step out of this taxi ride and back into our own lives, the real question remains:

How will we choose to engage?