Taxis and Car Services in Manhattan NY

The flat fare for trips from JFK Airport to Manhattan is $45.00 plus any tolls. There are no tolls for Queensborough Bridge, the toll for Queens Midtown Tunnel is $4.50 ($4.00 with EZ Pass). The meter will not be turned on and the night surcharge will not be added.

Sample Fares from JFKAirport to destinations other than Manhattan (These are estimated fares. Tolls are in addition to metered fares and are not shown.)

To LaGuardia Airport $24 - $28
To Newark Airport $69 - $75 + $15 surcharge
To Brooklyn Downtown $33 - $38
To Staten Island New Dorp Lane $52 - $55
To the Bronx Co-op City $39 - $44

Taxicab Customer Service Technology Enhancements

Starting in May 2007, New York City taxicabs will begin to be equipped with an assortment of customer service-intensive technology-based improvements that will include an interactive electronic passenger map and information screen, and credit/debit card acceptance. Other enhancements will assist in the recovery of lost passenger property, and provide drivers with both business opportunities and important emergency information while electronically replacing the handwritten trip sheet.

Using a Credit Card in a Taxicab

The Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has mandated that all taxicabs be equipped to accept credit/debit cards for all fares. As of November 1st 2007, the equipment to process credit/debit cards has been installed in over 4,500 of the city’s 13,000+ taxicabs. It is expected the entire fleet will be equipped with credit/debit card readers around July 1st, 2008.

Frequently Asked Questions about Credit/Debit Cards

Can I use my credit/debit card for all fares? In taxicabs that have technology systems installed, yes, drivers accept credit/debit cards for all fares; there are no minimums or fees to use your credit/debit.

Do I have to sign the receipt?

Customers only need to sign the receipt when the fare is $25.00 and over.

What happens if my credit/debit card does not work?

If the credit/debit card payment does not process, passengers can pay in cash or use another card.

If after swiping my credit/debit card, the driver informs me that the card transaction did not go through and requests cash, what should I do?

The Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) located in the backseat will inform the passenger when a credit/debit card is approved. If the screen indicates that the credit card has been approved, your card will be charged and the driver will be paid. In most cases your credit card number will be noted on the receipt. If you are double charged, call 311 and bring a consumer complaint against the driver. If you want to press charges, you must attend a TLC hearing at 40 Rector Street to pursue a consumer complaint. Passengers should always ask for a receipt.

Is a driver allowed to refuse to let a passenger use his/her credit/debit card?

No, drivers are required to accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover (and some will accept the JCB Card) for all fares. The driver must accept credit/debit cards for any fare amount. If a driver claims the credit card system is broken and/or prevents a passenger from using their credit/debit card, please report the medallion number to the TLC by calling 311.

What if a driver says the system is not working?

The passenger should note the medallion number and call 311. Drivers are permitted to work with a broken system for up to 48 hours as long as they have reported the problem and are awaiting repair. Almost all (90%) system repairs must be completed within six hours.

I am concerned about security, who will swipe the credit/debit card?

All the equipment is installed in the back seat of the cab. The passenger swipes the card and can enter the tip on the touch screen located in the back seat. There is no need to hand the card to the driver. In addition, all taxicab systems are certified by the Payment Card Industry (PCI).

Can I use a keypad to enter my debit card pin number?

The systems only work with signature based credit cards/debit cards. There are no PIN based functions built into the systems. This feature may be added at a later date. If a MasterCard or Visa logo is present on the debit card, it should be accepted by the taxis.

Which credit/debit cards are accepted?

Credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and in some instances, JCB Debit cards: Signature based Visa and MasterCard.

How will I get my receipt?

The driver will hand you the receipt as they do now.

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