Taxicab

Taxis, also knows as cabs, and taxicabs, are a major form of transportation in New York City.

There are several types of "taxis" or "cabs" in New York City: the typical yellow taxi and various For-Hire Vehicles: dial-up livery car service, luxury limousines, and black cars. The words cab and taxi are used synonymously in New York City.


 * Yellow Taxi - The yellow or Medallion cabs run in the central business district and to the airports. Classically, the New York City taxi is hailed by raising ones arm up and at a 60 degree angle and pointed at a two o'clock - see photo. Meters determine the fare with variables such as luggage. Credit cards are accepted and receipts issued. Get a receipt as they come in handy if you leave something behind. There are 12,000 yellow cabs displaying their license or medallions on the hood.
 * Car Service - In many neighborhoods, especially outside Manhattan, "taxi" service is provided by prearrangement via dial-up car services or livery vehicles. One phones a base station and describes the desired trip, and a cab is dispatched to your location. In many instances these pick up via a hail just like the yellow cabs, but this is illegal as per the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission, the city's regulatory agency. Car service vehicles may not be yellow in color, with this "trademark" reserved for the yellow "Medallion" vehicles.
 * Luxury Limousines - Providing a night out on the town or a wedding luxury ride, these are typically run by pre-arrangement. But some report success negotiating a short ride while the driver is awaiting a client who might have gone into a shop or restaurant.
 * Black Cabs - These work by prearrangement and are frequently used to take workers home from late shifts in Wall Street.