Whether you’re riding in a traditional yellow cab or booking through an app-based taxi service, you have specific rights as a passenger that protect you from overcharges, discrimination, and unsafe conditions. Understanding these rights can help you travel more confidently, especially in unfamiliar cities or during late-night trips.
This guide outlines the most important taxi passenger rights and what steps to take if they’re violated.
- The Right to a Safe and Licensed Driver
Every taxi driver must be properly licensed and operate a legally authorized vehicle. Licensing ensures that the driver has passed background checks, completed required training, and is covered by commercial insurance.
Look for visible driver credentials inside the vehicle—typically a laminated ID with their photo, license number, and taxi company details. If you’re using a taxi app like Curb or Flywheel, the driver’s information is shown in the app before pickup.
- The Right to a Clean and Operational Vehicle
Taxi operators are legally required to maintain clean, functional vehicles. This includes working seat belts, lights, locks, meters, and air conditioning. If a taxi is dirty or the seat belts are damaged, you can refuse the ride and file a complaint with the city’s taxi authority.
- The Right to a Fair and Transparent Fare
Taxi fares must be calculated using a visible, functioning meter or provided upfront through an app. Hidden charges or manipulated meters are illegal. Passengers are also entitled to a printed or digital receipt at the end of the ride, showing:
- Total fare
- Tolls and surcharges
- Tip (if added electronically)
- Taxi medallion or license number
If you suspect you’ve been overcharged, you can report the incident through your city’s regulatory agency. For fare transparency ahead of time, use tools like TaxiFareFinder to estimate your trip cost before you travel.
- The Right to Choose Your Route
Passengers have the right to choose the route to their destination. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, you can also request the most direct or quickest route. Drivers are required to comply unless there’s a safety issue or a city-imposed routing restriction (e.g., traffic closures or parade routes).
Using real-time navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze helps ensure you’re on track.
- The Right to Refuse Unwanted Rideshare Pairing
While rideshare pooling is common in apps like Uber or Lyft, traditional taxi passengers are not required to share a ride unless it’s a regulated group ride or explicitly agreed upon. If a driver attempts to pick up another passenger without your permission, you can decline or file a complaint.
- The Right to Be Treated Without Discrimination
Taxi services are prohibited from denying rides based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or destination. This applies to both street-hail taxis and app-based services. If you’re refused service or experience discriminatory behavior, document the incident and report it.
Many cities, including New York, San Francisco, and Chicago, have specific anti-discrimination laws tied to taxi and for-hire vehicle operators.
- The Right to Use Digital Payments
Passengers have the right to pay with cash, card, or accepted digital payment methods. In cities like NYC, all yellow taxis are required to accept credit and debit cards. App-based services like Curb and Uber also support payment through gift cards or virtual wallets.
Planning ahead? You can preload your account and earn cashback with an Uber gift card or get rewards with Curb, which can be purchased instantly via platforms like Fluz.
How to Report Violations
If any of your passenger rights are violated, collect key details such as the taxi medallion number, driver ID, fare receipt, and time/location of the ride. Then file a report with the proper agency.
