How to Take a Taxi in New York
- 1). Check a map to have an idea of where you are going if you are not familiar with the city. To hail a cab, step off the curb and raise your arm above your head like the Statue of Liberty. Look out for taxis with lighted medallion numbers on the roof. When the numbers are not illuminated, it means the taxi is not available. Note that only yellow medallion cabs are authorized to pick up people who hail them. Turn down any taxi with a driver who is discourteous or cannot communicate in English.
- 2). Take one cab if you are a group of four or fewer people, because four is the most passengers one taxi can carry. Look at the meter before the taxi starts moving to ensure that the initial fee is accurate. As of 2011, the initial fee is $2.50, and each 1/5 mile (the equivalent of four blocks) is 40 cents. Idling for one minute is also 40 cents. Avoid taxis during rush hour if you can. There is a peak surchage of $1 during peak hours, which is 4 to 8 p.m. There is a night surcharge of 50 cents between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- 3). Direct the taxi to your destination. That is part of your New York Taxi Rider's Bill of Rights. Ask the driver to turn the radio off if you are not interested in listening to what is on. Request temperature adjustment where you are not comfortable with the existing settings. Do not pay a tip if the driver does not comply.
- 4). Be sure to have small bills on hand if you are going to use cash to pay your fare, because many cab drivers cannot break bills bigger than $20. Alternatively, use your credit or debit card to pay. Pay a gratuity of 15 to 20 percent of what is on the meter when you arrive at your destination. If you are going to the airport, there are set fees in addition to toll and tip.
- 5). Be aware that you cannot arrange a pickup by a taxi in New York. Contact a car or livery service. Livery cabs are not yellow and do not have a medallion on the front hood. You cannot hail a livery cab on the street, because that is against Taxi and Limousine Commission rules. Ask what the fare will be before you close the door in a livery cab or limo. Fares are predetermined.
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