Mahalo travel expert Asha K. shows you the basics of hailing a taxicab in New York City.
Locate an Available Taxi
Taxicabs with all of the lights on their roofs turned on are off-duty. Cabs with no lights on already have passengers inside. Cabs with only their middle lights on are available for you to hail.c
Hail the Taxi
To hail a cab, walk to a busy street corner and watch how the locals do it. Stick out your hand to get a cabbie's attention.c If you are at a crowded intersection, step into the street if you deem it safe as cabbies often will not see you and pass you by. Standing up-road from others waiting for taxis will increase your chances of hailing a cab first.
Taxi Rates
The standard city rate is $2.50 upon entry of the taxi and $0.40 for every unit. Units are calculated a couple of ways - 1/5 mile when the cab is traveling at 6 mph or more, or every 60 seconds when not in motion. Surcharges are common, including a $1 surcharge added during rush hour, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There is also a $0.50 surcharge at night, post-8 p.m. and pre-6 a.m.c
References
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Meet Our Experts
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Asha K.
After completing a bachelor's degree in film and media from Griffith University in Australia, Asha K., Mahalo's travel expert, began traveling the world. Her work for the Discovery Channel, Fashion TV, MTV and Fox eventually brought her to Los Angeles. Aside from her travel series, Asha K. also produces and writes her own weekly webisode, "This Week in Music."
Expert Tip
Make sure you are carrying cash, as some taxi drivers do not accept credit cards.c
