Recently, an occasional client "from Michigan called me to wish us a Merry Christmas," Rita says.

Their list of regular clients includes Dean of the Business School John H. McArthur, who often hitches rides from the school's Allston campus to Harvard Square or Logan Airport.

"He's more like a friend," Danny says. "We talk anything but business--our kids, the weather. It's all small talk because they're usually short rides."

Although the Hughes won't say how well McArthur tips, Danny says, "He's a gentleman."

And Rita adds, "McArthur is very nice, very friendly."

The Hughes have also driven such luminaries as singer-actress Carol Channing and the late singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. In fact, they plan to wait outside the Hasty Pudding Theatre on February 22 in the hopes of landing Tom Cruise.

Danny says driving a taxi is a difficult business because one needs to earn $100 each day just to break even.

"It's not like the television program `Taxi' today," he says. "Most of the cabs are independently owned--it's hard work; it's long hours."

He adds: "Cab driving is the most dangerous business; I don't think there's cab driver that hasn't been robbed."

But Danny says he retired from his position with the MBTA, which runs the T, to drive a taxi and deliver packages because he could set his own hours.

"I like it because it's part-time for me," he says. "You don't have to punch a clock."

And Rita insists she has faith that taxi service, in general, will improve.

"No matter what's out there, cabs should shape up," she says. "Regardless of fancy cars, people always need a cab."