Six Unusual Tips to Catch a Taxi in New York

We bring to your attention the whole truth about the official car service of the city of New York: from applications that indicate the best street corners to catch a taxi, to information about the changes that will be introduced into the city's taxi system.

Catching a taxi in New York is one of the fundamental impressions of the city, just like eating a hot dog from a street booth or getting lost in Central Park is absolutely obligatory, often unexpectedly pleasant, and sometimes terrifying. And yet, a taxi will not appear out of nowhere, you should raise your hand and exclaim "Taxi!". Although sometimes it happens that the yellow chariot materializes out of nothing, it is often the case that you will tear the hair on your head, and all taxis will pass by, without even slowing down.

Here's something to remember: Taxi driving has undergone some notable changes, including the introduction of a new, distinctive minivan-like design for all New York City taxis. The first Nissan NV200 became the official taxi of the city of New York, and it has chargers for passengers' gadgets, separate rear-seat climate control and an unobtrusive horn.

In addition, the urban transport system is transformed under the influence of technology. E-hail from TLC allows passengers to use select apps such as Uber and Hailo to book a ride using their smartphone. Using technology like this may be the new trend, but there's nothing wrong with hailing a taxi the old-fashioned way - as long as you follow our tips on how to do it. After all, you don't want to still be standing on the sidewalk when the cast of your Broadway show is being called to bow.

1. When catch, а when — no

Have you ever seen people waving their hands in front of numerous taxis on Fifth Avenue, completely puzzled as to why they all pass by? To successfully catch a taxi, you need to know whether it is free or not. Fortunately, there is one simple rule: if the light signal on the roof of a taxi car is on, the car is ready to pick you up. If it is not included, it means that the taxi is either with the passenger or not at work. At JFL, LaGuardia and Newark airports, the system is slightly different. There is no way to catch a car. Instead, you exit the terminal, pass by unofficial taxi drivers offering a ride, and are looking for an official taxi service desk, near which you need to wait for your turn. So you find yourself at the mercy of the banal principle of supply and demand, so hope for a short line of passengers and a long line of cars. This system can be considered either more civilized, or more annoying - depending on your world view and tolerance for competition.

2. The worst time of the day to catch a taxi

If you need to catch a car in 4 or 5 hours in the afternoon, accept the fact that it will take you more time than usual. The fact that it is rush hour, only half the problem - the real reason for the shortage of taxis at this time is that taxi drivers are completing the shift. At around 5 hours they finish their work day and many go to the garage. If you have an important meeting scheduled for 5 hours, better call the car by phone (Dial 7 is a popular and easily remembered number: 212-777-7777), Uber, take the subway or take a walk.

3. How to attract the attention of the driver on the opposite side of the street

You know that classic scene from New York movies where the guy in the crisp business suit sticks out his arm, yells “Taxi!” - and it appears immediately? Channel your inner New Yorker and let it shine. Everyone has their own style when hailing a taxi on the street, but throwing your arm in the air and making confident eye contact with the driver usually helps. Be decisive, but don’t shout like a bullhorn or wave your arms like crazy. If there are too many people on a street corner, try waving from the middle of the road, but watch out for traffic. Be smart and catch a taxi that is already heading in your direction - you can also save a couple of dollars. It doesn't matter how you move, the main thing is that the driver sees you: in this case, he or she will certainly cross five lanes of traffic to get a client.

4. Use technology to find the best place to catch a taxi.

If you are going to a special event - for example, a concert or a sports match - be ready to compete after you whistle the whistle or the encore ends. The same applies to unexpected showers. At such a moment it seems that everyone in New York is trying to catch the car. You can fight for a place with a hundred people, but it's better to jerk a quarter ahead - just to get away from the crowd. You do not want to break the unwritten rule of honor and divert someone's taxi, but in a block away from this, any free taxi is yours. To get an advantage in the fight, use a smartphone search taxi called Cabsense... Using tens of millions of GPS data from the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission, it shows the best street angles for capturing cars in New York, near any location in the city - you can even set your coordinates in advance.

5. Know more than the exact address.

Unlike London, New York taxi drivers do not have to pass tests for extreme knowledge of geography before going to the streets. There is always a chance that your driver will need help with navigation. Be prepared to tell him the nearest intersection from your destination - it’s always easier for drivers to navigate than just by the house number (unless your taxi driver has a GPS, but even in that case, knowing the nearest intersection will not hurt). Landmarks can also help - if you know what you need in Washington Square Park or across the street from the Empire State Building, say so. If there is a GPS in your tablet or smartphone, be prepared to use it in case the driver gets lost, the road will be blocked or something else will happen. Here's another important tip: tell your taxi driver your address after you get in the car. Some drivers do not want to take passengers to the outskirts of the city, although the law requires them to take you to any point within New York, Westchester, Nassau or Newark Airport.

6. Taxi vs. car service vs. random people on cars

Raising a hand to catch a car in Manhattan, you can attract the attention of not only yellow cabs. A lot of so-called gypsy cabs drive around the streets of the city - something like “cars for hire”. Some of them are legal drivers of automobile services, who are not supposed to pick up passengers on the street, but only by reservation. Others don't even have licenses - they are just trying to make money quickly. There is no guaranteed fare with them (agree on it before traveling the route), and many do not accept credit cards, so such trips are at your own risk and peril. If you need a car service, try Arecibo 855-428-0222 (they have low rates and fast delivery) or Ozo Car (ozocar.com) - if you plan in advance and you want the trip to be environmentally friendly. There is also a green line of licensed TLC taxis that specialize in trips to northern Manhattan and the outskirts.

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