In NYC the difference between a cab(taxi) and a limo/car service

[smeyer418]

A lot of time it comes up what is the difference between a cab(taxi) and a limo/car service in New York City. In many parts of the country these terms are used interchangeably but in New York City they have a specific meaning.

In NYC a cab(taxi) is a car- always painted yellow that you can street hail without an appointment. Besides roaming the street for passengers, they also have lines where they wait for passengers at bus stations, train stations and the airport as well as in front of some hotels. They have meters and charge a variable rate except from and to Manhattan and JFK. They are required to take you any place within New York City(not just Manhattan) and to Newark Airport.

The current rates can be looked at www.nyc.gov/tlc. Tipping is expected 15-20% but never less than a dollar. Meter plus tolls and tip

 

 

A limo –car service(any color but yellow or lime green- mostly black) an interchangeable term is a service you pre-arrange(by calling on the internet or using an app) to pick you up and take you to your destination for a set fee. Tipping is expected but if they charge too much use your discretion.

 

A lime green out of boro taxi, is a lime green colored taxi that is licensed to pick up street hails outside Manhattan(and Manhattan above some street). This is new and they are metered. They can also pick up pre-arranged fares like a limo-car service for a set fee.

 

For more information and to make a complaint (on line) go to http://www.nyc.gov/tlc

[njhorseman]

Here's a direct link to the full fare rules and rates for yellow taxis:

 

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/taxicab_rate.shtml

 

There are actually three instances in addition to trips between Manhattan and JFK where a flat rate rather than a metered fare is used, but visitors to NY are unlikely be riding taxis (with the possible exception of trips between LGA and Midtown Manhattan) in these situations because they involve group rides.

[smeyer418]

Here's a direct link to the full fare rules and rates for yellow taxis:

 

http://www.nyc.gov/html/tlc/html/passenger/taxicab_rate.shtml

 

There are actually three instances in addition to trips between Manhattan and JFK where a flat rate rather than a metered fare is used, but visitors to NY are unlikely be riding taxis (with the possible exception of trips between LGA and Midtown Manhattan) in these situations because they involve group rides.

 

 

I was trying to give basic information without confusing people too much. In all my years in NY I have never used a group fare...ever except during the transit strikes. The cabs are also required to take people to Nassau and Westchester(NY) counties(for the meter plus twice the fare in those counties-out the NY City line) but again for cruisers this is something they probably will never use. The cabs are not required to take people any place in NJ except EWR

 

and what happens when a cabbie gets a ticket as well

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/yellow-cabbie-tickets-7-300-4-years-article-1.1453638