4 Things To Remember When Calling For A Cab
Whether you're going to be moving or vacationing in an area where you'll be depending on local cabs for your transportation needs or are in a position in your home town where you'll be relying on taxis often, you may be wondering if there are any special rules or etiquette involved in taking taxis. Naturally, you should be polite and considerate to the driver, refrain from smoking in the cab, and provide clear, concise directions to your location, but you'd be surprised at what some people expect from taxi rides. Following are four things you should know before you call for that cab.
Be Clear About the Number of Riders
Calling one cab and showing up with five of your friends or family members is a good way to get left standing on the curb and being late for whatever function you were planning on attending. Taxis have laws concerning how many people can be transported in a single cab. Laws vary per local regulations and the size of the vehicle -- some of the newer, van-style taxis will be able to haul more people, for instance. Letting the cab company know how many people are in your party when you make the initial call will give them the option of sending one of their larger vehicles or suggesting that you book two normal-sized taxis.
Be Clear About the Taxi Company's Pet Policy
Some cab companies have strict policies concerning no furry friends, others advertise as completely pet-friendly, and some have certain cabs they use for transporting customers with pets. Be sure to let make it clear during the initial call that you pet will be accompanying you on the ride. Some taxis require that your pet be kept in a secure carrier at all times while in the cab, while others are more lax. Be certain to ask before you book the cab. Keep in mind that even though taxi companies cannot legally refuse to transport you if you are accompanied by a service animal, it is nonetheless considered proper etiquette to inform them in advance that your service animal will be with you.
Don't Expect the Driver to Carry Your Bags
If you're taking a cab from the airport to a hotel or otherwise have luggage with you, keep in mind that taxi drivers should not be expected to carry your bags. As a courtesy, some of them may assist you in lifting the bags out of the trunk, but as a general rule, you're on your own. Your hotel's porter service should be able to help you with bags. The same thing applies if you've gone shopping via taxi and have bags to carry into your home. If the driver volunteers this service, you can graciously accept, but always increase the tip substantially in order to show appreciation for drivers who go above and beyond their normal job duties.
Always Tip Your Driver
Taxi drivers generally work on fairly low base rates and depend on tips. In most cities, the proper amount for the tip is 15 percent, though it will be higher in large metropolitan areas such as New York City where taking taxis is a routine way of life for many people. Most modern taxi services in American cities are equipped with card readers that allow you to swipe your credit card to pay for the ride and to add a percentage for the gratuity. However, keep in mind that cabs in some smaller communities may not be set up to take credit card payments. Always ask about payment options while booking the cab if you are unsure.
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