How-To Hail A Cab

Zoom! The cab drove right by me.
“Alright, maybe he didn’t see me…”

Let's face it, if you're not from around here, you do NOT know how to hail a cab!  Hailing a cab can be difficult if you don't know what you're doing or what to look for. Here are a few easy steps on how to hail a New York City cab:

1.  Know Which Cab is Available 

The first trick to successfully hailing a taxi is to find one that's available.  So how can you tell?  It's all about the lights!  On top of every cab is a light on the roof.  To figure out which cab is available, pay attention to how these lights are lit.  Look for the number in the center, with the words "Off Duty" on both sides of it.  

• Available Cab = Just the center number is lit and nothing else.  HAIL AWAY! 
• Occupied Cab = None of the lights are lit.  Don't try to hail it! 
• Off Duty Cab = Both the center number and the "off duty" lights are lit.  The cab won't stop for you!  

2. Hailing the Cab 

 

 

• Find an ideal spot

Street corners are the best places to a hail a cab.

• Stand on the side of the street toward where you are going

Usually cab drivers don't want to turn around, so standing on the side of the street that has traffic going downtown if you're heading downtown is ideal.

• Stick your arm out like you mean it

Lift your arm up and out!  No time for timidness; This is New York City!

 

*Please Note:

Don't whistle or yell, "Taxi!"  They only do that in the movies, and it makes you look like a tourist/dummy ;]  

3. Getting In The Cab 

• Give the cross streets or an address, not just a place.
• No more than 4 people in a cab at a time.  Don't squeeze in 6 people in a cab.  The cab driver won't move so don't even try it.  

4.  Taxi Etiquette

 

 

• First come, first serve! If you show any hesitation for a cab that stops for you, don't be surprised if someone else takes it. 
• Help a lady in and out of a cab!  Be a gentlemen!

Now go out and hail a cab like a true New Yorker!