Pasi Ala-Kortesmaa, a taxi driver from Tampere, finds himself balancing being a chauffeur and a mathematician in his profession. He meticulously calculates the viability of every ride, which can sometimes result in cancellations that leave customers confused when a previously accepted booking is suddenly dropped. Customers may notice that their expected ride appears to divert in an unexpected direction before ultimately being canceled, which can be frustrating for them.

The discussion surrounding ride cancellations has been fueled by reports of greedy taxi drivers abandoning jobs for better fares. However, Ala-Kortesmaa defends his choices, stating that drivers must prioritize their financial wellbeing. He furthers his explanation by noting that drivers often cannot see the fare or the distance of the ride until they have already accepted it, which forces them to make rapid decisions based on economic circumstances. This scenario paints a picture of the struggles faced by taxi drivers trying to navigate the demands of their work while ensuring their financial stability.

The implications of this situation highlight the pressures taxi drivers are under in the current economic climate, where the gig economy can sometimes incentivize them to prioritize more lucrative jobs over pre-accepted fares. This behavior, while perhaps frustrating for customers expecting reliable service, is rooted in the financial realities of many drivers who choose to work through ride-hailing apps and must make quick decisions that impact both their income and customer satisfaction.