Living In USA

By Taxi
Because at first they feel uncertain, most people are likely to travel by taxi (also called cabs) when they arrive in any new place. Here, taxis definitely come under the heading of luxury travel. Furthermore, taxis have an aggravating way of being hard to find, not only at the busy hours of a day but also if the weather turns bad. In most cities you can telephone to get one (see the local phone book for numbers); but in others, including New York, you usually hail them on the street or find them at a "hack stand" (special parking areas reserved for taxis).

Generally speaking, taxis are metered throughout the country, but there are some cities (e.g., Washington, D.C.) where they operate on a distance zone system. Nothing is uniform in the United States. You will need to ask a friend, a colleague, or hotel personnel about the rules; they vary from city to city. Also be sure to use a well-known taxi company to avoid being overcharged.

Although drivers do not always comply, the regulations are as follows: they must stop if the taxi is empty and not showing an off-duty sign; they must drive anywhere within the city limits; they may not ask your destination before you get in and then refuse to take you; and they may not charge more than is registered on the meter except for trunks, for bridge, tunnel, or ferry tolls, or for late-night special fees. Off-duty signs are often indicated by lights on the taxi roof, but it is wise to ask someone how to tell when a taxi is off duty and can therefore be expected to pass you by. It varies from city to city.

There are various sizes of cabs. Often they are not permitted to carry more than four people — sometimes as few as three — but some can carry five or six passengers. If you find yourself sharing a cab with several strangers (legal in some cities but not in others), you will often be expected to pay full price, unfair though that may seem.

In heavily congested areas the driver may not be allowed by law to get out of the cab to open doors or help with luggage. Do not assume the driver is being discourteous — it may be a safety measure.

If you want to make a complaint about taxi service, note the driver's number and name (posted somewhere inside the cab). Be sure to get the name of the taxi company also — there are many companies in all cities. When you write to the company, be sure to keep a copy of your letter.