NYC Taxi

Taxi cabs are both loved and hated by New Yorkers. They serve as a quick and easy means of transportation across Manhattan, a route not amply served by the subways. The downside with having an abundance of cabs is the traffic that results. Most traffic-jams in mid-town are speckled with many of the over 10,000 yellow cabs that service the city.

Juan: How to hail a cab?
Einstein: The act of flagging down a cab is called "hailing"; there's not much to it, just stick out your arm above your head, and pretend you're the Statue of Libery. Yellow Medallion cabs are the only ones authorized to pick up hails. Avoid cabs that are not the typical "yellow cab", especially if you are new to New York.

Juan: How to get-off the cab?
Einstein: Just say to the driver "Please, pull over" (translates as "Para po sa tabi").

Juan: How do you know if it is available?
Einstein: When just the numbers on the roof of the cab are lit, it is available. When the number, as well as the side lamps are lit, the cab is off-duty.

Juan: Where can we report errant drivers?
Einstein: Taxi cabs are required to take you to your destination inside the metropolitan area. Record the ID number from any cabs that you have problems with and call 311 or report them to the Taxi and Limousine Commission (The TLC).

Juan: How do they differ with limos?
Einstein: Livery cabs are the for-hire kind without the official yellow color and the medallion on the front hood. These are sometimes called liveries, luxury cars, black cars, "gypsy cabs" (which is considered derogatory), limos, etc. These shouldn't be hailed from the street since it's technically against the TLC rules. If you ride one, always ask for the price to reach your destination before closing the car door.

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