Planning Your Honeymoon

Taxi Cab Etiquette: What To Do And What Not To Do

29 September 2014

Flenn Austin

Certain etiquette is expected from patrons who use taxi cab services. One way to acknowledge a driver for his or her exceptional work is by providing a decent tip. According to a data set published on BusinessWeek.com that detailed New York City's taxi fare in 2013, the three most common tip amounts for taxi cab rides were 20 percent, 21 percent, and 22 percent. Although a tip is a good example of proper etiquette, it's important to also watch your behavior. Learn what behavior is appreciated and what behavior is unacceptable when riding in a taxi cab.

1. Use Your Manners

Many people forget that driving a taxi cab is a job that deserves as much respect and courtesy as any other career choice. Use you manners when speaking with a cab driver, do not curse, and ask the driver to bring you to your location instead of demanding that he or she does.

2. Do Not Eat While Riding

It's common courtesy not to eat while riding in a taxi cab. Just like you wouldn't want someone dropping crumbs in your personal vehicle, a cab driver does not want you making a mess in his or her taxi. If you have a beverage, be sure to hold it securely so that it doesn't spill.

3. Give the Driver Notice

Shortly before arriving to your destination, give the cab driver notice that you're close-by. Unless the driver is very familiar with the area in which you are being dropped off, he or she may not recognize the house or building right away. Save yourself and the driver time by giving him or her sufficient notice as to where you want to stop.

4. Take Trash with You

Have an empty candy bar wrapper or soda pop bottle? Take it with you. Never leave your trash on the floor or seats of a taxi cab. This behavior is not only rude, but it also takes time away from the driver that he could be using to pick up other people who need rides.

5. Hold Your Complaints

If your taxi cab driver is being rude or overcharging, you may be tempted to display your feelings right then and there. It's actually better to wait and keep your cool. Write down the driver's name and medallion number and contact the cab company or the local taxi commission later on to complain.

6. Know Your Rights

Following proper taxi cab etiquette also means knowing your rights. If the driver is on the phone, you may ask them to hang up as it's illegal to use a phone while driving in a vehicle. The same policy applies for music and air conditioning. Simply ask the driver to turn down the music or turn up the AC.

7. Don't Surpass the Minimum

If you have a large party with you, be aware that you may not all be able to ride in the same taxi. Most taxi cabs allow a minimum of four passengers to ride, or up to six passengers if the taxi is a minivan-type vehicle. The driver is not trying to be rude if he or she tells you that you can't all ride. The driver must follow all state laws and procedures.

8. Control Small Children

If you are traveling in a taxi cab with small children, be sure to control their behavior too. Children should sit in removable car seats or with a seatbelt to ensure safety. Children should not sit in the front seat next to the cab driver as this can pose a safety hazard due to the airbag.

If you frequently ride in taxi cabs, it's important to know and understand proper taxi etiquette. For more information about taxi cab services, have a peek here.

Share