Survival Guide - San Francisco and Northern California

Travel Reference

In-Depth Information

San Francisco's Taxis

Taxis in San Francisco operate 24 hours a day. Taxis can be

hard to find, especially in the outer areas, but the drivers are

generally helpful and friendly. Many drivers are veterans

eager to share their knowledge of the streets. Taxis are

licensed and regulated, so you can always expect courtesy,

efficient service, and a set price. The guidelines below will

help you find a taxi, get an idea of the fare, and understand

the regulations.

have all your belongings before

you get out. If you have left

something in a cab, call the cab

company and give them the

cab number or driver's name.

Fares

Fares are posted inside the

cab. There is a flat fee (around

$3.50) for the first mile (1.6

km). This increases by about

$2.25 for each additional mile

(1.6 km), or 45 cents a minute

while waiting outside an

address or in traffic delays.

The average fare from San

Francisco airport to the city

center is $45. Fares from the

Ferry Building to the west

coast ocean beaches are

about $30. These fares are

estimates only, and they do

not include any additional

charges such as time spent

waiting in heavy traffic, or a

tip for the driver.

When you request a pick-up,

give your exact address and

name. You are expected to

meet the cab on the street, but

the dispatcher will typically call

with an automated message

when the driver is outside. If

you wait more than 15 minutes,

call again. Requests for cabs to

the airport usually get a quick

response. Passengers ride in

the back seat, which may or

may not have seat belts. The

meter is on the dashboard.

Note the company and cab

number or the driver's name

and number. Tell the driver

your destination and the cross

street, if possible. The driver

should get you there in the

shortest amount of time. Traffic

congestion can slow the best

drivers down, so it may be

better to pay the fare, get out,

and walk the final few blocks.

Taxi drivers do not carry much

cash so be prepared to pay by

credit card, or with bills of $20

or smaller. Add a 10 to 15

percent tip and hand it to the

driver before you get out of

the cab. The driver will write a

receipt on request. Check you

Inside a Green Cab with a hybrid

engine (see p280)

Regulations

Taxi drivers must carry

with them photographic

identification and a permit

to drive a taxi, called a

medallion. Following

legislation in 2010, all taxi

cabs are now non-smoking.

If you need to complain about

a taxi driver, call the Police

Department Taxicab

Complaint Line .

Taking a Taxi

Cabs have a rooftop sign

that is illuminated when the

vehicle is vacant. The various

company liveries are red, white,

and blue; yellow; yellow and

orange; and green. All taxis

display the company name

and telephone number, plus

the cab number.

To catch a cab, wait at a taxi

stand, call and request a pick-

up, or try to hail a vacant cab.