Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
an intersection that should be avoided. A knowledgeable driver will
know how to get you to your destination quickly and efficiently.
Another important tip:
Always make sure the meter is turned
on at the start of the ride.
You'll see the red LED readout register
the initial $2.50 and start calculating the fare as you go. I've wit-
nessed unscrupulous drivers buzzing unsuspecting visitors around
the city with the meter off, and then overcharging them at drop-off
time.
Always ask for the receipt
—it comes in handy if you need to
make a complaint or leave something behind.
A taxi driver is obligated to take you to your destination.
If a
taxi driver refuses to take you to your desired destination (which
happens on occasion when you want to go to an outer borough or
very far uptown), get the driver's name and medallion number (on
his license in the divider between the front and back seats) and file a
complaint with the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
For all driver complaints, including the one above, and to report
lost property, call
&
311
or 212-NEWYORK (outside the metro
area). For details on getting to and from the local airports by taxi, see
“By Plane,” under “Getting There,” earlier in this chapter. For fur-
ther taxi information—including a complete rundown of your rights
as a taxi rider—point your Web browser to
www.ci.nyc.ny.us/taxi
.
BY CAR
Forget driving yourself around the city. It's not worth the headache.
Traffic is horrendous, and you don't know the rules of the road (writ-
ten or unwritten) or the arcane alternate-side-of-the-street parking
regulations. You don't want to find out the price of parking viola-
tions or have to claim your car from the tow pound.
If you arrive in New York City by car, park it in a garage (expect
to pay at least $25-$45 per day) and leave it there for the duration
of your stay. (In our hotel chapter, we note if a hotel has a garage, or
offers discounted parking, and the rate). If you drive a rental car in,
return it as soon as you arrive and rent another when you leave.
