When most people hear the word "taxi," the typical vehicle that most people think about is the yellow or white car with an illuminated sign on the roof. Cabbies drive around cities' busier areas looking for "fares'" or people waiting for a taxis to deliver them to there destinations. A customer can also call a taxi companies dispatch office to arrange a ride from and to a specific destination. Most cabs use a meter that charges customers a certain price per mile driven.
Private taxis, or car services work similar to conventional taxis. The main difference is that they don't pick up random fares. Private taxis have to be prearranged. A customer can usually arrange a private taxi service much further in advance than a private taxi. Private taxi service vehicles don't necessarily resemble public taxis. Since their customers don't have to hail taxis (wave them down), the general public does not need to know that a private taxi is not actually a private vehicle. So the company name or the word "taxi" might not appear anywhere on the vehicle.
Water taxis operate in some communities where waterways cut through populated areas. Water taxis can serve commuters, or they can also take patrons sightseeing. Water taxis operate in cities like Seattle and New York that already have ferry boats. But water taxis only accommodate persons. Cars are not typically allowed.
Airport shuttles take passengers to and from a local airport. Hotels and parking garages near the airport often operate airport shuttles. They can also be run by independent shuttle companies. These airport shuttles will deliver patrons between the airport and any other destination, not just a parking garage or hotel.
Disabled persons can hire para transit vehicles to bring them to a number of destinations. Paratransit customers must usually arrange a pickup well in advance. Paratransit vehicles can be buses or vans that can easily accommodate wheelchairs.
A limo service is a specialized type of private taxi. Limo services are hired in advance and customers travel in limousines. Limo services are popular for weddings, proms, funerals and other special events. Limousines often have amenities like refrigerators and televisions for a host of patrons to use while sharing the same passenger compartment.
