Having your own car, though convenient, can be expensive. Public transportation, such as buses and subways, are much cheaper but are slow and don't arrive frequently enough during late nights or colder weather. That's why taxis were created. But before you hail that cab, there are some considerations that might make your trip a better one.
Hail from the side of the road. Generally, you do not need to scream "Taxi!" unless you think they have not seen you. Be careful: Drivers will sometimes swerve from three lanes over to win your fare from other cabs.
Check and see if there is a meter before getting in. If there is, jump in and tell the driver where you would like to go; raise your voice if there is a partition. If there is no meter, open the door, tell the driver where you want to go and negotiate a price. It is okay to bargain. Once inside, fasten your seat belt while searching for identification: the driver's name and permit number should be displayed on the dash or partition--make a note of it.
Avoid taxi cab fraud by contacting a cab company by phone and having them pick you up at your destination. If hailing a cab from the street and you're unfamiliar with the area, watch a few cabs go by so you recognize their colors and car make. Sometimes unlicensed drivers under no one's jurisdiction will offer rides. Don't forget that the vast majority of drivers are honest, but don't be fooled by those who are not.
Look out for scams. One scam you should watch for is the driver who takes you to a different destination, always much further than your intended destination, and says they are lost. You, of course, are then stuck with a higher charge. Make note of the driver's name and permit number, insist they contact their boss for directions and refuse to pay the extra amount. If they refuse, call the police and take their license number.
Be prepared. Stepping into a cab without the means to pay for it later can mean a huge problem. Taxi drivers can sometimes be a volatile lot. After all, they are stuck in traffic for sometimes 12-hour shifts. Avoid this problem ahead by using an online fare finder. Type in your location and destination and an approximate fare will be given.
Remember that taxi drivers are hustling for a living like anyone else in service-related industries. If you arrive safely at your destination during the wee hours of the morning, reward the driver's professionalism by tipping them something. Some people say you must tip at least 10 percent, but there are no rules on this. Your tip is a way of silently thanking them for a job well done.
