How to Hail a Cab Like a New Yorker

Hailing a Cab Like a New Yorker: The Ultimate Guide on How to Conquer The Big Apple Taxi System

New York City is one of the most iconic cities in the world, and, despite a bustling and ever-changing subway and public transportation system, few experiences complete a trip to the Big Apple like the thrill of hailing a classic yellow cab to take you around the city. As a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, learning the ins and outs that come with this classic NYC experience is essential to navigating the Big Apple in style. Here, we’ll provide you with the ultimate guide on how to hail a cab like a true New Yorker!

The Basics of Hailing a Cab in New York City

Let’s start with the basics: hailing a taxi in the city of New York is easy and straightforward, but there are a few key pieces of information you should keep in mind before you go ahead and “raise your arm” for a yellow cab.

First, look for a yellow taxi cab! All of these cabs must carry the same distinctive yellow color, in addition to the iconic medallion that rests atop of the car’s hood.

Second, make sure you look for a light on the vehicle’s roof. It’s important to recognize that even in moments when you may find a yellow taxi cab that is not in motion, this does not necessarily indicate the vehicle is available. Therefore, it’s important to identify signs that a cab is available, such as the illuminated light on its roof.

Third, make sure you measure the distance between you and the taxi cab carefully before you go ahead and hail it—if the driver is too far away, they may not be able to reach you in time—which can lead to some frustration.

And fourth, make sure you can tell which direction the taxi cab is heading so that you know whether or not the cab is available to take you in the direction you want to go.

How to Flag Down a Cab

Now that you are aware of the basic distinction between an occupied and unoccupied taxi cab (as indicated by the roof light on the vehicle), the next step is to successfully flag the cab down! After all, if you are unable to make the physical act of hailing a cab, the cab won’t stop for you.

The best way to do this is to stand on a well-lit street corner, and make sure you are in a location that is easily visible from the street. Once there, extend your arm and begin waving as the cab approaches. If you make eye contact with the driver, keep your arm extended and wave with a specific motion that does not tend to be too aggressive, or overly pronounced.

As the cab approaches you, make sure the driver sees you and the vacant taxi sign illuminated on the vehicle’s roof. If the driver does not stop it can mean a few things: either the cab is heading in a different direction, the driver is not looking for an additional passenger, or possibly the cab is already occupied by other passengers.

Regular Street Hailing vs. Hailing with a Phone App

Now that you’re familiar with hailing a cab the classic way, you should be aware of the different options you have when it comes to booking a taxi cab ride in NYC.

Aside from traditional street hailing, you’ll be pleased to know there are multiple phone applications that make it even easier to order a taxi cab in New York City. These apps double up as on-demand taxis, but you will have to get used to the concept of ride-sharing, and the sense of uncertainty that comes with it.

Here are some of the most recognized taxi apps that allow you to book a cab in New York:

1. Arro Taxi – this is probably one of the most popular apps for taxi rides and allows you to order a taxi with real-time tracking, rate and pay your driver with a credit card, and receive push notifications when your driver has arrived.

2. Dial 7 Cab – specializes in personal, airport and corporate transportation, which makes the app attractive for people looking for a private transportation experience.

3. Lyft – by far the most popular app for ride-sharing, you can request a ride at any time and pay directly with the app or, if you are a frequent user, with credits that you have accumulated over time.

4. GetTaxi – this is another popular app that allows you to easily book a cab and provides an estimated time of arrival so that you can keep track of the progress of your ride.

Questionable Habits: How to Make Sure You’re Riding in a Legitimate Cab

Unfortunately, in large cities like NYC, there is a common problem of people (particularly tourists) getting caught in fake taxi cab scams. Fortunately, there are a few signs you can learn to spot that could help you to identify whether or not the cab you’re trying to hail is legitimate or not.

First, it’s important to make sure that the taxi you’re riding in has the yellow paint scheme, the illuminated vacant sign on the top of the vehicle, and the official TLC medallion on the hood. If any of these items are missing, it’s important to proceed with caution.

Second, all of these cabs must have an official TLC license that should display in the backseat of the car on the passenger’s side. Make sure to check this to ensure the driver you’re riding with is, in fact, licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Third, once you step in the cab, make sure the driver is familiar with the city and can answer basic questions about the route and local attractions. If the driver appears disoriented or does not seem to know much about the city, it may be a good sign to consider another ride.

Lastly, don’t forget to check the meter and make sure it’s running the rate the City establishes. All the meters will run specifically during a certain duration and depending on the time of day, it is important to make sure you are being charged with the corresponding rate.

General Tips for Riding in a NYC Cab

Now that you understand the basics of hailing a cab, what to look out for, and the different apps available to book a cab ride in New York, there are a few additional tips you should be aware of when riding in a NYC taxi.

1. If you’re looking to grope a cab while in NYC, note that many streets have specific lanes dedicated to specific services. Specifically, 6th Avenue has a painted lane for taxi cabs only, so it will be easier to spot one in this area.

2. Upon entering the cab, give your destination to the driver. This will also indicate to them how far away you would like to go, and if it is a surcharge destination such as an airport, it is important to mention this to the driver as you go in the car.

3. Every taxi cab in NYC is equipped with a credit card machine. Therefore, you don’t necessarily need to bring cash with you to pay your ride.

4. Pedestrians always have the right of way in Manhattan. As a result, if you’re crossing the street and you come out in the middle of a crowded intersection, the cab driver has no choice but to stop and wait for you.

5. If you feel unsafe for any reason, you can always ask the driver to let you out of the cab at the nearest corner.

And lastly, tip your driver! It is not mandatory to tip your driver—but it is appreciated if you do.

You’re Now Ready To Hail a Cab Like a Pro!

We hope that with this guide, you’re now ready to navigate the world of NYC taxi cabs like a pro! From understanding the basics of hailing a cab to becoming aware of all the different apps and services available, you’re now ready to explore the Big Apple in style. Now go ahead and “raise your arm” and explore the beautiful city of New York!