Technological advancements have made getting from point A to B easier than ever. In fact, smartphone apps are so advanced that more and more millennials are leaving the license behind in lieu of ride share options. After all, what’s a $20 ride fee between friends compared to the cost of a new vehicle, registration fees, insurance, and repairs for the next five to ten years? Whether you need weekly trips around town or a single taxi to DTW airport jaunt, there are six things you should know about taxi cabs.
Taxis Are Everywhere
New York City and taxi cabs go hand-in-hand when one or the other spring to mind, and with good reason. The first taxi cab hit the streets in New York in 1907. Today, over 42,000 drivers take fares across the Big Apple. But nationwide, there are almost 240,000 cab drivers on the streets at any given time.
It’s Easy to Secure a Ride
Taxi cab companies are real businesses required to follow government mandates and fair practice laws. Therefore, there are several ways a potential customer can secure a ride. In bigger or bustling cities, hailing a cab is common. If you have a specific ride schedule in mind, feel free to call the company and schedule one or see if one is available for pickup at your location. Many taxi services also have apps now, so securing a ride online is also an option.
Taxis Are Reliable
Random rideshare apps are great, but they’re limited. They’re not available in all cities, and they’re completely dependent on the drivers meeting the guidelines and work availability of the app in question. Many of those drivers have no clue where they’re going and rely heavily on GPS devices just to avoid getting completely lost. Taxi drivers are trained to drive the streets of specific areas, so there’s a far better chance they’ll know a shortcut or how to avoid traffic, not to mention arrive for the pickup and drop off on time.
Cash Isn’t Always Needed
So many people just don’t use cash anymore on a regular basis that taxi companies had to adjust to the will of the people. After all, cabs used to be cash-only services. That’s still an option, of course. However, the ongoing rule there is to come prepared with small bills since most drivers won’t have the ability to break higher denominations. If cash isn’t in the cards, though, check with the company prior to your trip to see if debit and/or credit is a payment option. You might be able to pay in advance and travel completely worry-free.
Non-Payment Is a Crime
Gone are the days when thoughts of ditching fare were commonplace. In today’s society, skipping out on paying for your taxi fare is a crime. In fact, it’s comparable to petty theft and can result in fines up to $4,000. Taxi drivers are connected through a tighter network than ever before, so even if you are able to get away with it once chances are you’ll get blacklisted and lose all future passenger rights. Always pay your fare.
Tips Are Appreciated
Most rideshare options don’t require tipping, and the same goes for taxis. However, taxi drivers often go above and beyond the call of duty. Your driver may offer a stunning scenic trip, avoid traffic, provide unexpected stops at your request, or even assist with luggage and shopping bags. The average full-time cab driver makes $22,440 per year, so if your driver does an especially good job, tipping is just good manners. When you’re ready for your next pickup, consider Ann Arbor taxi service for professional door-to-door reliability.