Have you ever been tempted to ask a stranger to share a cab? You don't have to be shy any longer. On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, NYC’s Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) launches a one-year test of a new Group Taxi Ride program in New York City. Three Group Ride Stands are already active and three more are being planned.
“Group rides are smart policy,” said TLC Commissioner/Chairman Matthew W. Daus. “It increases taxi capacity during high-demand hours, which is both efficient and environmentally responsible; it costs passengers less and earns drivers more, and it standardizes and makes more economical a practice of sharing cabs that many taxi riders have favored for years. Everyone wins.”
How Group Taxi Rides Work
Two to four passengers can pay a per-person flat fare of $3 - $4 to share a taxi from a Group Ride stand to a common destination and you can get out anywhere along that route.
Where to Get a Group Taxi Ride
Current group taxi ride stand locations and corresponding destinations and fares include:
- W 57th St & 8th Ave - Taxis go to Park Ave & 42nd St, fare is $3.00 per person
- E 72nd St & 3rd Ave - Taxis go to Park Ave & 42nd St, fare is $4.00 per person
- W 72nd St & Columbus Ave - Taxis go to Park Ave & 42nd St, fare is $4.00 per person
Additional group taxi ride stand locations planned for Manhattan include:
Can I Group Ride on Saturday Night?
No, sorry. For now, group ride stands are active only on weekdays from 6 – 10am. This time slot was picked based on locations with high volumes of pick-ups and corresponding drop-offs.
Who Tips the Cab Driver?
Saving on a taxi ride is definitely a great idea. Our only question is, who tips? No doubt the last person exiting the taxi is going to get stuck with a higher fare than the other riders. Let us know if you have any ideas how to manage the tipping issue.
Learn More About Group Taxi Rides in New York
Next time you get into a cab, check out the TV screen for an explanation of the group ride program. You'll also be able to read about another new NYC taxi policy -- cab drivers are no longer allowed to use any electronic equipment while driving. That means no headsets.
What’s Next for the NYC Group Taxi Ride Program
More stands are being planned for the US Air and Marine Air Terminals at LGA. If the program is a hit, the TLC may consider expanding it to other locations and times of day.
