Chicago City Wire

Prompt pickups and professionalism have earned one local cab driver — singled out by popular vote from among 12 finalists — a prestigious title, a free medallion and a chance to continue excellent service in the Chicagoland area.

His name is Angel Odzhakov, but locals now also know him as “Chicago's Top Cabbie” after he captured almost 30 percent of the entire popular vote, emerging as the winner in a recent citywide competition sponsored by Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP).

Hailing originally from Bulgaria, Odzhakov said he likes helping people get “from point A to point B,” with his service impressing enough customers to glean many nominations among locals. Odzhakov, who lives in Evanston, won kudos for multiple pickups, early arrival, his polite demeanor, a clean cab and safe driving.

BACP Commissioner Maria Guerra Lapacek presented Odzhakov with the medallion recently at the Ogden Avenue Public Vehicle Licensing Facility.

“Mr. Odzhakov’s nominations spoke of his hard work and top customer service," Lapacek said. "The public clearly agreed and chose him as Chicago’s Top Cabbie. This contest is a win for all of the hard-working taxi drivers in the city whose work and dedication were recognized by their customers.”

The public nominated outstanding cabbies from among the city’s 12,000 licensed taxi drivers over the summer. In the last few weeks of voting, the website logged views from people in 43 nations.