Visiting with elderly parents

This is probably a silly question, but our family will be visiting the city in August with elderly grandparents. Is it a problem to hail a cab for short distances? Approximately, what are the cab fares for short distances? Thanks for help with this issue.

Visiting with elderly parents

It depends on how short the distance. For 2 blocks, yes, I think the cabbie would be annoyed but by law, he%26#39;s not allowed to turn you away. But August is not the best time to come with elderly parents if either have any sort of heart problem. It can be really hot and humid.

More info

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FAQ

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Visiting with elderly parents

It%26#39;s not a silly question at all. Generally, it won%26#39;t be a problem to hail taxis in Manhattan for short distances. What you must do is get in the taxi first, close the door, and only then tell the driver where you%26#39;re going. Just because they%26#39;re required to take you anywhere you want doesn%26#39;t mean they like it, and will often ask you where you%26#39;re going before you get in, and they%26#39;ll speed away if it%26#39;s not to their liking.

It%26#39;s much easier in many cases to get around by bus, and all of our buses ';kneel,'; that is, the front steps lower, making it easier to get on and off. Forget the signs that tell you to exit the bus at the rear door, by the way. That%26#39;s often difficult for elderly people. It%26#39;s always easier to get off at the front, which is perfect fine, despite what the signs say.

I will add that if you%26#39;re planning to go to a Broadway show, it%26#39;s nearly impossible to get a taxi afterward, as all the shows let out about the same time. Competition for the few taxis can get quite fierce! If you are seeing a show, plan to go for a drink afterward. When you%26#39;re done it%26#39;ll be easier to find a taxi.

Some taxi drivers may not want to go short distances, but they are legally obliged to do so, and most of them are okay with it. I have done it with an elderly parent (one of the great things about New York is that the elderly can get about easily without having to drive).

I can%26#39;t remember what the base fare is once you close the door -- something like $2.50 or $3.00. With tip the shortest ride would unlikely be less than $4.00. I tend to tip generously on short rides; I typically give the driver $5.00, regardless of length, but that amount should cover a ride of about a half a mile (10-12 blocks) including tip.

Taxi drivers always tell me they prefer the short hops (ok, maybe not 2 blocks). They make the base fare, get rid of you and pick someone else minutes later...