The New York City Taxi - A Guide

Taxis (also called cabs) are a convenient way to get from place to place in the city.

They can be an affordable option when you have a group of people

They also offer the added convenience of avoiding waiting and bringing you right to your destination.

Hailing A Cab

Hailing a cab is as simple as stepping off the curb and holding out your arm. However, you may find some cabs won't stop - here are some tips:

• Firstly, make sure just the centre is lit, highlighting just the medallion number - this cab is available. When no lights are lit, the cab already has a fare. When the medallion number, as well as the side lamps are lit, the cab is off-duty.

• Make sure you are on the right side of the road for them to pick you up easily.

• Have someone else do it for you (a hotel doorman has the strongest whistle and arm wave).

Passenger Limits

• A maximum of four passengers can ride in traditional cabs, there are also some five passenger cabs that look more like minivans.

• Young travellers (a child under 7) is allowed to sit on a passenger's lap in the rear seat, in addition to the passenger limit.

Taxi Fares

Minimum taxi fare is $2.50.

• Additional charges are $0.50 per 1/5 of a mile (at or above 6 mph) or for 2 minutes of time stopped or traveling below 6 mph.

• The night-time surcharge is $0.50 for rides beginning from 8 p.m. until 6 a.m.

• The peak hour weekday surcharge is $1.00 and is charged for rides from 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays.

• There is a $0.50 New York State tax surcharge.

• There is no additional charge for luggage and no per passenger surcharge.

• Any tolls during the ride are the responsibility of the passenger in addition to the metered fare.

• If the driver uses E-ZPass to pay the fare (transponder on the front windshield) the passenger pays the reduced E-ZPass fare.

• Flat fares from JFK to Manhattan are $52: there is no night surcharge and the meter does not need to be run.

• There is a $17.50 surcharge for fares to Newark Airport, in addition to return tolls.

• New York taxis accept payment by cash or credit card.

Things To Know

• It is always more difficult to get a cab when it's raining - best to get the subway.

• Riders are entitled to make multiple stops in a single cab ride, though the meter will continue to run throughout the trip and payment will be required at the end of the trip. There is no limit to the number of stops you can request.

• New York City is unique in the fact that you cannot pre-arrange a pickup by a New York taxi. If you want to call for a ride (rather than hail a cab) you will need to contact a New York City car service.

What You Are Entitled To As A Taxi Rider

• 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

• A driver who uses the horn only when necessary to warn of danger; and

• Refuse to tip, if the above are not complied with.