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Hailing A Taxi
New York City taxis (also called “cabs”; short for “taxicab”) are yellow and may be hailed on the street or found at taxi stands at major hotels and transportation hubs. On the street, stick out your arm to signal a taxi. A taxi is available when its white rooftop number light is lit. A taxi driver seeking passengers turns on the middle section (numbered part) only of the roof light. The rooftop light also has the words “Off Duty”; when these are lit, the taxi will not pick up passengers.
Cost
Taxis have meters. The total cost depends on the distance traveled and time spent in the cab. Taxi fares are $2.50 for the first 1/3 mile, then 40¢ each 1/5 of a mile thereafter, and 40¢ per 60 seconds when cab is not moving; a 50¢ night surcharge is in effect between 8pm and 6am; a $1 surcharge is in effect 4-8 pm weekdays (not including holidays). Any bridge or tunnel tolls will be added to the total charge; drivers might ask that you pay the tolls as you go through them. Taxi drivers are usually given a 15% gratuity on top of the final metered fare.
Helpful Hints
Try to hail a taxi in the direction you would like to travel; this saves time going around a block. Only yellow taxis are permitted by law to pick up without prearrangement; it is likely that you will be overcharged if you use a non-yellow medallion cab. Make sure the taxi driver turns on the meter. The driver will be able to print a receipt for the ride. The usual way of telling the driver where you want to go is by naming the cross street and the avenue. For example, “34th and 5th” means 34th Street and 5th Avenue. As you get closer to your destination, you can let the driver know the exact street address so s/he can figure out where on the block it is. If you take your receipt and you forget something in the cab, it is much easier to track your lost item.
More Information
All taxis services are regulated by the Taxi and Limousine Commission; 24-hour hotline 212/NYC-TAXI (212/692-8294).
TAXICAB RIDER'S BILL OF RIGHTS
As a taxi rider, you have the right to:
- Direct the destination and route used;
- Travel to any destination in the five boroughs of the city of New York;
- A courteous, English-speaking driver who knows the streets in Manhattan and the way to major destinations in other boroughs;
- A driver who knows and obeys all traffic laws;
- Air-conditioning on demand;
- A radio-free (silent) trip;
- Smoke and incense-free air;
- A clean passenger seat area;
- A clean trunk;
- and A driver who uses the horn only when necessary to warn of danger.
Refuse to tip, if the above are not complied with. Take your receipt. 24-hour Consumer Hotline: 212-NYC-TAXI
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