Taxi Cab Basics for Getting Around in the Big City
Taking a cab in New York City can be a new, and sometimes daunting, experience for travelers to The Big Apple. With just a few pointers, you can be cruising the streets of Manhattan in the back of a taxi in no time.
It always seems that there are never taxis available when you need them, though this has not always been the case. The Haas Act of 1937 restricted the number of cabs in the city from 20,000 to 12,000. Can you imagine 20,000 cabs in 1937? The act also introduced the medallion system which improved service and increased wages. Unfortunately, since the act was implemented, it has severely limited the number of new cabs. Today the number of taxis in Manhattan stands at just over 13,000.
Hailing a cab is not difficult, just pretend like you’re the Statue of Liberty and hold your arm up. It helps to be at a place where the cab can pull over. And make sure the numbers on the top of the car are lit. Lit numbers mean it is available for hire. Unlit means it is occupied. And if it is all lit (and says Off Duty) it is off-duy.
Here is a rate breakdown of meter trips:
| Initial Fare (meter drop) | $2.50 |
| Each 1/5 mile (4 blocks) | $0.40 |
| Each 1 minute idle | $0.40 |
| Peak surcharge (4pm-8pm Mon-Fri) | $1.00 |
| Night surcharge (8pm-6am) | $0.50 |
| Tolls | EXTRA $ |
| Additional riders | FREE |
There is one route on which a flat-fare is charged: From JFK International Airport to Manhattan. The flat fare is $45.00 plus any tolls. The meter will not be turned on and the night surcharge will not be added. There is no charge for luggage.
You may now use your debit/credit card to pay for fares in some medallion taxis. As of November 1st 2007, the equipment to process credit/debit cards has been installed in over 4,500 of the city’s 13,000+ taxicabs. It is expected the entire fleet will be equipped with credit/debit card readers around July 1st, 2008. Drivers are required to accept cards. If you run into problems, get a receipt, medallion number, and call TLC at 311.
Taxis are a great way to get around Manhattan and can be very cost effective, especially if you are traveling with a few other people.
Photo credit: taxi in city, flickr; top, flickr
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POSTED IN: Getting Around - Local Transportation, Travel Tips - General Information
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