Taxi in New York 🚖
Transportation plays an important role in the life of any person. Every minute, millions of people from all over the world order taxi services, which for each state have their own unique features, imbued with local flavor and traditions. Many legends are associated with the New York taxi, it can often be seen in famous American films. Yellow cars are a kind of symbol of New York.
If you want more luxury, take a limousine. They are a little more expensive, but much more elegant. Limousines are not metered, so you pay a predetermined amount.
History of the New York Taxi
The first cars entered the city's taxi fleet in 1907. They were of French origin and were painted green and red. Over the next ten years, other companies entered the business, and their machines appeared in many areas. The fare was quite high - 50 cents per mile, so travel was available only to wealthy citizens.
In the early 1920s, large US industrialists - General Motors and Ford recognized this business as promising and the production of cars began on a large scale. Now more than 13,000 yellow cars are roaming around the "city of contrasts", of which about 90% are Ford Crown Victoria models.
Peculiarities
In addition to the characteristic yellow coloration, the cars have a distinctive badge on the hood - a “medallion”, special license plates, stickers on the glass with confirmation of licenses, a lamp with such a number on the roof, a partition inside and a counter for calculating the fare. This is the so-called "classic taxi", which can be "caught" right on the street, but only if the lantern on the roof is on. If it does not light up or shows the inscription "Off duty" - "does not work", then the car cannot be taken. At this time, the driver usually goes to return the car after work.
Another option is the ability to call machines from the ordering service. They can be recognized by their black color and can only be ordered by phone. At the bottom of the license plate of such a car is the inscription "TLC" or "Livery". Chartered taxi services are best used when you need to get from remote areas, for example, to the airport.
The driver can seat four people at the same time: three in the back seat and one in the front. But recently, not only ordinary yellow cars have begun to appear, but also modern SUVs and minibuses that can take more than four passengers.
New York taxi price:
The base rate is $2.50, plus a few surcharges totaling $0.80. For all trips that start, end, or pass through
Manhattan south of 96th Street, a $2.50 New York City Center Congestion Fee is added. Plus, you pay 50 cents for 2.5km or, if you're in traffic, for 60 seconds. At the airport. John F Kennedy (JFK) always has a taxi. If you don't want to pay too much, take a yellow taxi. Please note that taxis must offer a fixed price from the airport.
Kennedy to Manhattan. However, drivers may charge more for a trip from Manhattan to JFK Airport.
Check taxi fare.
How to pay:
In taxis you can pay in cash or by credit card, in both cases remember to leave a tip. When using a credit card, before paying, you can choose on the display how much percentage you want to tip. You will have a choice between 20%, 25% and 30%. A smaller amount can be entered manually.
How to get a taxi in NYC?
To hail a taxi in Manhattan, raise your hand and one of the yellow cars with a flaming saber will stop. If the checker on the taxi does not burn, then the car is busy. At the end of the change of driver on a taxi, the off-duty icon is lit. New York taxis never give an address. Instead, you need to mention the name of the street intersection (for example, Ninth Avenue and 42nd Street). After you have reached the intersection, you can ask the driver to bring you closer to the place where you want to get off. Try to catch a taxi that goes in the same direction as you. This will save you time and money.
If you are traveling with a company:
Officially, no more than 4 people are allowed in a taxi. If you are traveling with luggage, you may want to take two cars. If you are in a large group, the best option would be to use a larger vehicle or bus transfer.
Night trips:
Taking a taxi at night is often the most convenient and safest option. From 20:00 to 06:00 an additional 50 cents will be charged. During rush hour from 16:00 to 20:00, you will have to pay an extra $1.
Green Taxi:
To 12,000
yellow taxis, green, or rather lime-colored, were added.
These taxis are allowed to pick up customers in upstate Manhattan (like Harlem) and other areas including the Bronx,
Queens and Brooklyn.
Useful tips:
New Yorkers never tell the driver where they are going before they get into the cab. Some drivers sometimes don't want to go to certain addresses. If you are already in the car, the driver has no right to drop you off. If you see a taxi with an Off Duty sign, take a chance and raise your hand. Sometimes such drivers are ready to serve passengers for longer distances or if they are on the way. By the way, between 16:00 and 19:00 it is very difficult to catch a taxi.
Uber in New York:
Uber is very popular in
New York. You can order a car through the
Uber app. Booking a car is very easy. In addition, Uber is cheaper than yellow taxis. I myself use it quite often, but to get into the spirit of New York, I still recommend at least once to drive a yellow taxi.
Be carefull!
Often, unlicensed cars ply near airports in search of gullible tourists and offer to get there quickly at a supposedly lower price. But the danger lies in the fact that in reality this price can be an order of magnitude higher than usual, not to mention the fact that the driver can take the passenger somewhere and rob him. Therefore, it is advisable to contact the airport staff. They will tell you how to find a normal taxi and get to your destination safely. Information can also be found on special stands in the arrivals halls.
FAQ➡️
How to order a taxi in New York?
You simply stop a taxi on the street by raising your hand. The middle part of the checker of the taxi will burn if it is free.
Is it hard to get a taxi in New York?
Taxis are very hard to get between 4pm and 7pm.
How to pay a taxi fare in New York?
Taxis can be paid in cash or by credit card. Don't forget to tip when paying in cash.
Is it cheaper to use a taxi or Uber in New York?
For short trips, Uber is cheaper than yellow cabs in New York. Yellow taxis are a cheaper option for longer trips. However, I recommend taking a yellow taxi at least once to get a real New York experience.
