When the entire world is expanding at breakneck speed, keeping up with the pace becomes critical. It includes the expansion of transportation modes. However, even though there are numerous travel methods when you arrive in a new city, finding the best option that suits your needs can be challenging.

Taxis and the subway system are the most popular modes of transportation in New York City. What are the dos and don’ts of hailing a cab in New York City? Get all the information you need about taxi services in Queens right here.

1. How to pay

It is time to settle up once you arrive at your destination, or sometimes just before you arrive. The good news in New York is, that all queens’ taxis accept credit cards, and there is no minimum fare. To pay with a credit card, use the small screen in the back of the cab, which will take you through the process and prompt you to swipe your card.

When it comes to tipping, the default options on the screen usually show you 20 percent, 25 per cent, and 30 per cent. Also, while tipping a cab in New York City is customary, it is not required. Significantly, exit a taxi on the side facing the sidewalk, even if it means sliding across the back seat to the other side – safety first.

2. Particular situation: Airport transfers: watch out

Many tourists take a taxi from the airport to their hotel in New York. Check that the driver charges you a “set fare” or “flat fare” to the airport. A flat rate of $52 applies for transportation from JFK to Manhattan (and back), plus tolls and $0.50 state tax (the flat rate for LaGuardia-Manhattan is $17). Then add about a 15% gratuity. 

Unfortunately, there will always be drivers who attempt to dupe tourists. Significantly, if the driver refuses to give you a flat rate, don’t get into the cab – state this clearly from the start.

Avoiding parking issues is an excellent reason to use a taxi service. If you have a rental car parked at the airport, you may be required to pay high parking fees. Taxi services, on the other hand, eliminate the need for parking because they arrive at the appropriate time, eliminating the need for parking.

3. New York taxi rider’s bill of rights

These are taken seriously in New York, though most New Yorkers are too distracted to notice. However, cab drivers are pretty good at following the rules.

As a taxi passenger, you have the following rights:

• Direct the destination and route used 
• A decent and clean passenger seat 
• Air-conditioning on demand
• A driver who knows and obeys all traffic laws
• A silent trip
• Smoke and incense-free air
• A courteous, skilled driver who knows the streets in Manhattan and the way to major destinations in other boroughs

4. Hailing a cab

“Is it true that you just stand on the street and hail a taxi?” people frequently ask. That’s exactly how it’s done in the city. Unless there is a large hotel, such as the Waldorf Astoria, just a few meters away, taxis will always be on the lookout for new customers.

When several people are trying to do the same thing on the street, make sure you are a step ahead of everyone else. Making eye contact with the driver and waving or raising your arm will get their attention. It is unnecessary to yell “Taxi, Taxi” because the driver will not hear you from inside the cab.

Significantly, you will stop only taxis with a lit sign on the roof. Those who do not have their taxi light on have already been taken. Also, be cautious when boarding the cab; do not simply walk across the street. The cabs in New York City will just stop, whether it is safe for you to approach, which means you may have to cross a busy street before you can secure a seat in the back. Sit in the back seat unless you need to sit in the front (i.e., all other seats are taken). The driver’s meal or personal belongings are frequently stored in the passenger seat.

5. Difference between a green taxi and a yellow taxi

Yellow cabs are the city’s official and most recognizable taxis. Green cabs have been operating in the city since 2013, and the program was established to serve areas of New York that are not commonly served by yellow cabs.

Yellow taxis are everywhere in Manhattan.  However, if you go to Brooklyn or Queens, you are unlikely to see any yellow taxis but green.

Green taxis can pick up passengers in northern Manhattan (between West 110th and East 96th streets) and the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and Queens (excluding the airports).

Additionally, they have complete freedom to drop you off anywhere. Another little-known feature of green taxis is that you can call one ahead of time or use their mobile app to see if one is available.

Bottomline

Taking a cab in Queens can be exciting, especially since it is not something that many tourists do regularly. However, with these tips, you are now well prepared to locate, hail, and safely arrive at your destination in a Queens cab.