Ride a Taxi (New York City)
There are thousands of yellow cabs in New York City, and they serve one purpose: getting you to your destination quickly and efficiently. Here's how to make your next ride in one of the Big Apple's legendary taxis enjoyable.
Steps
- Stand by the edge of the street. Make sure not to stand too far out in the street or you risk getting hit by oncoming traffic, and don't be in the way of other pedestrians.
- Raise your hand as high as you can while cars, buses, trucks, and taxis pass by. Gently wave it up and down to indicate you need a ride.
- An empty taxi's lights will flash, shout "Taxi!" if you see a taxi with flashing lights.
- If a taxi pulls up, get in carefully and tell the driver where you need to go. Have an idea of your destination before you enter the cab, and don't be vague. Be sure to mention the exact address and crossroad, unless you are heading to a well-known attraction, such as Times Square or the Empire State Building.
- Have the money ready. Depending on how far you are going, you will have to pay a fee. Make sure you have the proper cash on hand to pay the taxi fare, or else the driver will refuse to serve you. Pay the approximate amount, and set aside a dollar or two for a tip, depending on how good your experience using the taxi was.
- Enjoy the ride! Remember, you have certain rights as a paying rider, such as the ability to tell the driver which route to take and where you want him or her to drop you off.
Warnings
- If you're leaving a place at the same time as someone else, you can share a cab. The taxi will stop at the closest destination first, and the person who gets out pays money for their share of the ride. The second person gets out and then only pays for their share of the ride. It can significantly lower the cost of a cab ride home, especially when you're going longer distances.
- If someone else is already standing near the curb, trying to hail a taxi, move away and go further down the street in the direction traffic is going.
- Do not yell at the driver. He/she may kick you out of the taxi.
- Never get in a cab that doesn't have all of the usual signage on it: a phone number, a company name, a working meter, and a notice that clearly states the contact number for the Taxicab Commission, in case you need to make a complaint. Most cabs will now also have video cameras installed somewhere on the dashboard. This is for your protection, and the driver's.
