ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – An unusual type of taxi is making its way around Albuquerque.
It’s not any ordinairy cab, it’s a karaoke cab designed to let customers party from spot to spot in a safe way.
“I think it’s pretty cool! I have never heard or seen anything like this before,” said Nicholas Elter.
It’s not a new idea. In fact, taxi driver Joseph Aranda first introduced it to Albuquerque in 2011.
“I always loved music. Ever since I was kid, I had music in my life,” said Joseph Aranda.
However, the music has slowly faded.
“I got sick myself about two years ago,” Aranda said.
Aranda suffered from congested heart failure.
“I stopped doing the karaoke because I couldn’t drive anymore,” he said.
On Friday night, the long-time cabbie made a musical comeback. He wasn’t in the driver’s seat. Instead, he rode shot gun and acted as the DJ for one of his friends who is also a taxi driver.
“It’s just a fun thing to do, karaoke. It’s a stress reliever. For me, it’s been healing, literally for my heart,” Aranda said.
Unsuspecting customers said they got a thrill out of the experience.
“It was exciting! It got me prepared for my night! I’m ready to have a good night,” said Carolina Ponce.
There’s no extra charge to sing karaoke during the cab ride.
Just like the famous cash cab, customers don’t know if they’re about to take a ride in the karaoke cab until they get in.
