You've probably heard a lot about New York City, some of which may not even be true. I grew up in the suburbs not too far away from the city, and still live on Long Island. The city is too much for one review, this review is only about getting a taxi, and the non recommendation applies only to taxis. Don't let this review get you down, there's a lot to see and do, just some challenges to overcome.


Hailing a taxi

This isn't as easy as Hail to the Chief or hail Caesar. You may even end up saying the hail with it after awhile. If there are parked cars on the street, you have to advance at least as far into the street as the 'shadow' of the cars - that is, if they can't hit you without hitting the cars parked on the street you are as safe as possible, it doesn't happen as often as you think. If the taxi is desperate for business this may be far enough - otherwise decide How Much Is This Taxi worth to you. It's not always quite this hard, there are certain places they do tend to stop to pick people up.


Do they really not speak English?

Not always, it's not just a humorous exaggeration used by comedians. They all know a few words though. I'm pretty certain you'll be able to get across the concept of Penn Station or a really major airport. I try to avoid having to communicate another destination, though I have made successful outward trips once or twice. Anyway, when you really need a taxi is when you're exhausted and going home, trust me on this. If it's daylight and you're in a good neighborhood, walking will enable you to see much more.


Do they speed?

I've never had this particular problem - the streets are never clear enough for genuinely fast speeds. They do drive very aggressively, and it bothers many people including my wife. My view is they don't drive much more aggressively than average. New Yorkers tend to make their own lanes. My sister tells me she's gotten out of taxis before arriving and refused to pay if she doesn't like the way they drive, and she's still alive.


Everything in NYC seems so expensive

Often, but oddly enough this isn't Always the problem. If you've with a group of four people and not too far, and not travelling during peak hours, taking a taxi back to Penn station may not cost more than subway or bus tokens for four people.


Racism

I'm not black so I don't know from personal experience, but I've heard it's much harder to get a cab if you are. I only know what I hear on television and see in the papers, so I can't review this aspect thoroughly, but I mention it for those who live far from here and don't see the same television and papers I do.


Pick me up

While taxis are hard to get and not always great to ride, there are a great many fun things to do and see in the city, along with entire neighborhoods devoted to more types of delicious ethnic cooking than you imagined existed. You can even find great food at prices less expensive than elsewhere if you're lucky.



Recommended: No