San Francisco 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 make sure that you do not get “taken for a ride” when you take a taxi.

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 pickup, or try to hail a vacant cab. When you request a pick-up, give your exact address and name. You are expected to meet the cab on the street. 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. Pay 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 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 $3.35) for the first mile (1.6 km). This increases by about $2.25 for each additional mile (1.6 km) or 40 cents a minute while waiting outside an address or in traffic delays. The average fare from San Francisco airport to the city center is $35. Fares from the Ferry Building to the west coast ocean beaches are about $20 to $24. These estimates do not include any additional charges such as time spent waiting in heavy traffic, or a tip for the driver.

REGULATIONS

Taxi drivers must carry with them photographic identification and a permit to drive a taxi, called a medallion. The driver can designate the cab a smoking or nonsmoking vehicle. If you need to complain about a taxi driver, call the Police Department Taxicab Complaint Line.

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