Using the Taxis

The taxis in New York City have a sign on the roof that usually looks something like the image above.
In the middle is the medalion number of the cab. On each side is an "Off Duty" light.
What you want to look for when you are hailing a cab is one that looks like the one above: the Off Duty lights are off, the medalion number is on.

• If all of the lights are off, that means that the taxi has a passenger.
• When the Off Duty lights are on, it is returning to the garage.
• But if only the medalion number is lit, then the taxi is available, and if you signal to it (by raising your hand in its direction) the driver will usually find a way to get to where you are to pick you up.

NOTICE

There have been several rate increases in taxi fares in the city. It might be better to look into taking the subway rather than a taxi except for short distances. Just go on down into the subway entrance and check out the map. You should be able to figure out how to get where you want to go. If you have a problem, ask the person selling tokens and you should get the information you need.