Taxicabs in NYC

Getting around Manhattan isn't daunting if you unedrstand your rights and responsibilities when using a cab.

What is a yellow cab?

A medallion cab or “yellow” cab is one of the most recognized icons of New York City. With nearly 13,000 yellow cabs in operation in Manhattan, the TLC (New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission) is one of the most active livery regulation bodies in the world.

What is a medallion number?

A medallion number is the unique 4 letter/number designation assigned to a particular cab. The number is located on the outside of the cab as well as in the patrician between the front and back passenger areas. It is also printed on each receipt.

If you lose any possessions in a cab or want to make a complaint or give a complement, giving the medallion’s number to the TLC is essential. Always take your receipt with you. Without the medallion number (or at the very least the drivers name) it can be almost impossible to track down missing possessions.

How can I find a cab?

Generally in Manhattan you need only to stand on the street curb and stick your arm up and a cab will stop. During shift changes or during rush hours you may have some difficulty finding an available cab. However, generally, if you make your way to any Avenue or major cross town street you should have no problem hailing a cab. Most doorman buildings and hotels will provide “hailing” services.

You can also wait for a cab at a cab stand. Cab stands or ranks are located at most major attractions and public transportation centers such as Grand Central Station and Port Authority. Cabs wait in line to pick up the next passenger.

Can I book a cab?

Generally you can’t pre-arrange for a yellow cab. Taxicabs have an exclusive right to pick up passengers from the street on an individual “hail” basis. They are also precluded from making pre-arranged bookings. However there are many FHV (For hire vehicles) or car services that will arrange to collect you at a designated time. These drivers are precluded from picking up hailing passengers. To find a FHV, look under car service in the phone book.

How much does a cab cost?

Cabs operate what is called a “metered rate of fare” which is displayed on a taximeter (that little black box in the dashboard). The fare is divided up by 1/5th of a mile if the cab is traveling 6 miles per hour and over or 120 seconds at $0.20 per minute when the cab isn’t in motion or is traveling at under 6 miles per hour. The taximeter computes the fractional distance and time rates and calculates a fare which is displayed on the meter.

It is important to remember that a trip may not cost the exact same amount from one day to the next. Variables such as the weather and traffic can play a part.

Remember that you are also responsible for all tolls.

$2.50 for entry (or for the use of the cab)
$0.40 for each minute
$0.40 for each waiting minute

In addition:
$0.50 for a night surcharge (between 8:00pm and 6:00am)
$1.00 peak hours surcharge (between 4:00pm and 8:00pm M-F)


Are there set fares?

Cab drivers don’t generally set a fare as they are compelled to use the metered rate. However, there are a few exceptions.

From New York City to Newark International Airport
The fare is equal to the regular metered rate plus a $15.00 surcharge and all round trip tolls.

From John F Kennedy Airport TO Manhattan
The fare from the airport to any address in Manhattan is $45.00 plus any tolls. However, there is no set fare from New York City to JFK. The metered fare rate applies.

To Nassau County Long Island or Westchester County New York State
The fare will equal the metered rate to the county line plus double the meter between the county line and the passenger’s destination.

To other Long Island destinations, New Jersey destinations (except Newark Airport), Connecticut destinations, and New York State (except Nassau and Westchester)
The fare will be a set rate agreed upon in advance between the passenger and the driver and paid at the at the passengers destination.

Can I pay with a debit or credit card?

Currently the TLC is implementing test programs to enable the use of credit and debit cards to pay for the fare. However, most cabs will require cash for the foreseeable future. Cab drives do not accept checks.

How many people can ride in a cab?

Including the driver, 5 persons are allowed in a cab. However, if a child is under 7 years old and will be held on an adults lap, an additional person can ride.

Do cabs in New York require and provide child safety seats?

Medallion holders are exempt from the child safety seat regulations and do not provide child seats. However the TLC does recommend that all passengers use seatbelts. Parents are encouraged to bring and use their own child seats. Children under 7 years of age can ride in the lap of an adult.

Can a driver refuse a fare?

A driver can not refuse a fare. It is against the law to discriminate against a passenger due to race, disability, or destination within New York City. A driver can refuse to accept a fare to the airports or to Nassau or Westchester counties if they have worked a continuous 8 hours in a 24 hour period or if the fare outside of New York City.

Can a driver refuse to accept my pet?

Drivers must accept service animals, regardless of breed.
Drivers accept pets that are kenneled and will generally accept non-kenneled pets, but this is at the discretion of the driver.

Do drivers accept wheelchair passengers?

Drivers are legally required to accept passengers in a wheelchair and to fold the chair and place it in the trunk. However, A-Ride-For-All, which is a community based car service that only operates vehicles for wheelchair users, may provide a better alternative. They can be reached at 718-706-RIDE

What is the Taxi Rider Bill of Rights?

As a taxi rider you have the right to:

1. Direct the destination and route used;
2. Travel to any destination in the five boroughs of the City of New York;
3. A courteous, English-speaking driver who knows the streets in Manhattan and the way to major destinations in other boroughs;
4. A driver who knows and obeys all traffic laws;
5. Air-conditioning on demand;
6. A radio-free (silent) trip;
7. Smoke and incense-free air;
8. A clean passenger seat area;
9. A clean trunk
10. A driver who uses the horn only when necessary to warn of danger;
11. and the right to refuse to tip, if the above are not complied with.

originally posted February 23, 2006