New York’s Cabbies Like Credit Cards?

[hegemony]

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/nyregion...tml?_r=2&hp

[hdporter]

I last used a credit card with a NYC taxi during a visit in May. When I keyed in a $1.60 tip on an $8 fare (vs. the minimum suggested of $2), the driver reacted as if I had reached over the seat and tried to pry one of his kidneys loose, ranting about the surcharges even after I slammed the door on him. Wished I'd stiffed him!

[greywolf]

I last used a credit card with a NYC taxi during a visit in May. When I keyed in a $1.60 tip on an $8 fare (vs. the minimum suggested of $2), the driver reacted as if I had reached over the seat and tried to pry one of his kidneys loose, ranting about the surcharges even after I slammed the door on him. Wished I'd stiffed him!

They do NOT make money on fairs as drivers, the tips account for a major portion of their income.

[improper_validation]

In a philly cab once the driver was screwing with something so I couldn't enter a tip by credit card.

 

He ended up with no tip.

[chanaz]

I last used a credit card with a NYC taxi during a visit in May. When I keyed in a $1.60 tip on an $8 fare (vs. the minimum suggested of $2), the driver reacted as if I had reached over the seat and tried to pry one of his kidneys loose, ranting about the surcharges even after I slammed the door on him. Wished I'd stiffed him!

They do NOT make money on fairs as drivers, the tips account for a major portion of their income.

 

Not really. most cabs are generally leased by the driver for $X per day from the Cab Co. Or if they own their Cab they pay the Co. for the medallion use. So the more they hustle the more they can potentially make. Once they make enough to pay off their fees, all the rest that they take in on Fares as well as tips is profit. Not really accurate to make a comparison to someone like a waitress who might make $2.13 Hr in some States and essentially lives off of tips. Every cab driver I have ever met is straight 1099

Edited November 9, 2009 by chanaz

[NeilE]

I last used a credit card with a NYC taxi during a visit in May. When I keyed in a $1.60 tip on an $8 fare (vs. the minimum suggested of $2), the driver reacted as if I had reached over the seat and tried to pry one of his kidneys loose, ranting about the surcharges even after I slammed the door on him. Wished I'd stiffed him!

 

I drive a taxi, and were someone to give me a $1.60 tip I'd probably want to pound his/her head into the pavement, and wouldn't hesitate to say so! It would have cost me money to have a $1.60 tipper in my taxi. I'd swiftly add his/her phone number and/or address to our "DNPU" (Do Not Pick Up) list, and the next time he/she needs a taxi.. oops! We're unavailable! Much the same in many areas. On an $8 fare, anything under $3-$4 is a nasty slap in the face. Thankfully, nobody has ever done anything quite so hideous to me. FYI.

[2fast]

I last used a credit card with a NYC taxi during a visit in May. When I keyed in a $1.60 tip on an $8 fare (vs. the minimum suggested of $2), the driver reacted as if I had reached over the seat and tried to pry one of his kidneys loose, ranting about the surcharges even after I slammed the door on him. Wished I'd stiffed him!

 

I drive a taxi, and were someone to give me a $1.60 tip I'd probably want to pound his/her head into the pavement, and wouldn't hesitate to say so! It would have cost me money to have a $1.60 tipper in my taxi. I'd swiftly add his/her phone number and/or address to our "DNPU" (Do Not Pick Up) list, and the next time he/she needs a taxi.. oops! We're unavailable! Much the same in many areas. On an $8 fare, anything under $3-$4 is a nasty slap in the face. Thankfully, nobody has ever done anything quite so hideous to me. FYI.

40-50% tip.. I need to switch professions. You do remember that a tip is a bonus for exceptional service right?

[greywolf]

I am not saying if he earned a tip, but in general, cab drivers (especially in NY) do not make money on fairs. Tips are their major source of income.

 

IMO the reason they prefer credit is so they don't get robbed. A credit card accepting cab is going to carry less cash than a cash only cab, thus less of a target.

Edited November 9, 2009 by greywolf

[cb_opus]

I last used a credit card with a NYC taxi during a visit in May. When I keyed in a $1.60 tip on an $8 fare (vs. the minimum suggested of $2), the driver reacted as if I had reached over the seat and tried to pry one of his kidneys loose, ranting about the surcharges even after I slammed the door on him. Wished I'd stiffed him!

 

I drive a taxi, and were someone to give me a $1.60 tip I'd probably want to pound his/her head into the pavement, and wouldn't hesitate to say so! It would have cost me money to have a $1.60 tipper in my taxi. I'd swiftly add his/her phone number and/or address to our "DNPU" (Do Not Pick Up) list, and the next time he/she needs a taxi.. oops! We're unavailable! Much the same in many areas. On an $8 fare, anything under $3-$4 is a nasty slap in the face. Thankfully, nobody has ever done anything quite so hideous to me. FYI.

40-50% tip.. I need to switch professions. You do remember that a tip is a bonus for exceptional service right?

 

+100

 

50% tip? oh, please. get real.

[Uncle Leo]

I last used a credit card with a NYC taxi during a visit in May. When I keyed in a $1.60 tip on an $8 fare (vs. the minimum suggested of $2), the driver reacted as if I had reached over the seat and tried to pry one of his kidneys loose, ranting about the surcharges even after I slammed the door on him. Wished I'd stiffed him!

I drive a taxi, and were someone to give me a $1.60 tip I'd probably want to pound his/her head into the pavement, and wouldn't hesitate to say so! It would have cost me money to have a $1.60 tipper in my taxi. I'd swiftly add his/her phone number and/or address to our "DNPU" (Do Not Pick Up) list, and the next time he/she needs a taxi.. oops! We're unavailable! Much the same in many areas. On an $8 fare, anything under $3-$4 is a nasty slap in the face. Thankfully, nobody has ever done anything quite so hideous to me. FYI.

40-50% tip.. I need to switch professions. You do remember that a tip is a bonus for exceptional service right?

By the tone of their post, no, I don't think they realize that. It's an entitlement, to be treated as part of the fare.

[Operation_Home_Ownership]

I drive a taxi, and were someone to give me a $1.60 tip I'd probably want to pound his/her head into the pavement, and wouldn't hesitate to say so! It would have cost me money to have a $1.60 tipper in my taxi. I'd swiftly add his/her phone number and/or address to our "DNPU" (Do Not Pick Up) list, and the next time he/she needs a taxi.. oops! We're unavailable! Much the same in many areas. On an $8 fare, anything under $3-$4 is a nasty slap in the face. Thankfully, nobody has ever done anything quite so hideous to me. FYI.

 

What the H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks are you talking about?!?! A tip is a BONUS on top of the fare for NOTABLE service.

9 times out of 10, ppl get into cabs and you [universal] are gabbing on your cell phone via ear piece so loud that we can not hear our own convos OR think that you are talking to us every 5mins, radio tuned-into something crazy, air temp inappropriate, and/or almost kill us with your crazy driving. Sheesh, taking a ride just several blocks we are lucky to make it out with our senses in tact and you want to get hot under the collar when you arent rewarded on top of the fare???

 

ANNNDDD How would a "Do Not Pick Up" List matter when a person waves their hand on the street and you stop, with the last robbery aka fare increase did you guys use some of the $$$ to install microchips making you robots who memorize addresses with faces??

 

Gosh, I am so glad I drive MYSELF everywhere now-a-days.

[nothingtolose]

I last used a credit card with a NYC taxi during a visit in May. When I keyed in a $1.60 tip on an $8 fare (vs. the minimum suggested of $2), the driver reacted as if I had reached over the seat and tried to pry one of his kidneys loose, ranting about the surcharges even after I slammed the door on him. Wished I'd stiffed him!

 

I dunno I don't think it's the CC, more like the uneven amount - I think it's customary to round?

 

Although the driver should have been happier about it being a short fare? I think they gain more on short fares because of the fixed per-passenger fee (mileage itself barely breaks even).

Frankly, the req't to install CC readers (justifiable) and GPS (that one strikes me as being useless) was financially onerous for a small convenience to the pax. NYC COL is not cheap. Long hours. I usually tip upwards of 20%. For tourists some airport fares are fixed, others you can guess pretty closely, so not much driving around in circles and you know the amount you need to bring in advance. For regulars what's the point, they know the route anyway. JMHO.

I prefer to pay for cabs in cash anyway. Most cabbies won't bother installing a skimmer but some might (~ like restaurants) and sometimes readers don't work.

Edited November 10, 2009 by nothingtolose

[hegemony]

I drive a taxi, and were someone to give me a $1.60 tip I'd probably want to pound his/her head into the pavement, and wouldn't hesitate to say so! It would have cost me money to have a $1.60 tipper in my taxi. I'd swiftly add his/her phone number and/or address to our "DNPU" (Do Not Pick Up) list, and the next time he/she needs a taxi.. oops! We're unavailable! Much the same in many areas. On an $8 fare, anything under $3-$4 is a nasty slap in the face. Thankfully, nobody has ever done anything quite so hideous to me. FYI.

 

What the H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks are you talking about?!?! A tip is a BONUS on top of the fare for NOTABLE service.

9 times out of 10, ppl get into cabs and you [universal] are gabbing on your cell phone via ear piece so loud that we can not hear our own convos OR think that you are talking to us every 5mins, radio tuned-into something crazy, air temp inappropriate, and/or almost kill us with your crazy driving. Sheesh, taking a ride just several blocks we are lucky to make it out with our senses in tact and you want to get hot under the collar when you arent rewarded on top of the fare???

 

ANNNDDD How would a "Do Not Pick Up" List matter when a person waves their hand on the street and you stop, with the last robbery aka fare increase did you guys use some of the $$$ to install microchips making you robots who memorize addresses with faces??

 

Gosh, I am so glad I drive MYSELF everywhere now-a-days.

 

LOL

 

I give cabbies a larger tip when their B.O. is not too overpowering.

[nothingtolose]

I drive a taxi, and were someone to give me a $1.60 tip I'd probably want to pound his/her head into the pavement, and wouldn't hesitate to say so! It would have cost me money to have a $1.60 tipper in my taxi. I'd swiftly add his/her phone number and/or address to our "DNPU" (Do Not Pick Up) list, and the next time he/she needs a taxi.. oops! We're unavailable! Much the same in many areas. On an $8 fare, anything under $3-$4 is a nasty slap in the face. Thankfully, nobody has ever done anything quite so hideous to me. FYI.

 

What the H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks are you talking about?!?! A tip is a BONUS on top of the fare for NOTABLE service.

9 times out of 10, ppl get into cabs and you [universal] are gabbing on your cell phone via ear piece so loud that we can not hear our own convos OR think that you are talking to us every 5mins, radio tuned-into something crazy, air temp inappropriate, and/or almost kill us with your crazy driving. Sheesh, taking a ride just several blocks we are lucky to make it out with our senses in tact and you want to get hot under the collar when you arent rewarded on top of the fare???

 

ANNNDDD How would a "Do Not Pick Up" List matter when a person waves their hand on the street and you stop, with the last robbery aka fare increase did you guys use some of the $$$ to install microchips making you robots who memorize addresses with faces??

 

Gosh, I am so glad I drive MYSELF everywhere now-a-days.

 

I disagree here. I think a tip is expected and R&C. Less than 15% is impolite IMO unless something outrageous happened like the cab dropped you off at the wrong airport or something. AFAIK 20% is usual so I tip 20%+.

In Europe it depends. Lower tips like 10%-15% may be customary. If you drive yourself you also pay for gas, tolls and airport parking. Not cheap in NYC.

[Operation_Home_Ownership]

I drive a taxi, and were someone to give me a $1.60 tip I'd probably want to pound his/her head into the pavement, and wouldn't hesitate to say so! It would have cost me money to have a $1.60 tipper in my taxi. I'd swiftly add his/her phone number and/or address to our "DNPU" (Do Not Pick Up) list, and the next time he/she needs a taxi.. oops! We're unavailable! Much the same in many areas. On an $8 fare, anything under $3-$4 is a nasty slap in the face. Thankfully, nobody has ever done anything quite so hideous to me. FYI.

 

What the H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks are you talking about?!?! A tip is a BONUS on top of the fare for NOTABLE service.

9 times out of 10, ppl get into cabs and you [universal] are gabbing on your cell phone via ear piece so loud that we can not hear our own convos OR think that you are talking to us every 5mins, radio tuned-into something crazy, air temp inappropriate, and/or almost kill us with your crazy driving. Sheesh, taking a ride just several blocks we are lucky to make it out with our senses in tact and you want to get hot under the collar when you arent rewarded on top of the fare???

 

ANNNDDD How would a "Do Not Pick Up" List matter when a person waves their hand on the street and you stop, with the last robbery aka fare increase did you guys use some of the $$$ to install microchips making you robots who memorize addresses with faces??

 

Gosh, I am so glad I drive MYSELF everywhere now-a-days.

 

LOL

 

I give cabbies a larger tip when their B.O. is not too overpowering.

 

LOL! Good one, I forgot about that luxury during the ride!

[greywolf]

20% is the bare min. as far as I am concerned. Maybe more if the service was good.

[Operation_Home_Ownership]

I disagree here. I think a tip is expected and R&C. Less than 15% is impolite IMO unless something outrageous happened like the cab dropped you off at the wrong airport or something. AFAIK 20% is usual so I tip 20%+.

In Europe it depends. Lower tips like 10%-15% may be customary. If you drive yourself you also pay for gas, tolls and airport parking. Not cheap in NYC.

 

"Expected" by who? Here is NY "impolite" for you nothingtolose. Bite Me. j/k

 

Anyway, I still hold the strong opinion that if you are disrespected by a cabbie for swiping your card and NOT leaving an add'l tip on your fare...that a person should read them the riot act.

 

IF yellow cabs feel they can not make enough off of the fares and that EVERY customer MUST leave them 20-50% tip, they should paint the cab black, clean up the inside, slap on a tie, tidy up their etiquette [sp?], and go private.

Edited November 10, 2009 by Operation_Home_Ownership

[Uncle Leo]

And that's the whole problem with tipping in general... it's become "expected".

 

Expected... entitlement. Po-tay-to... po-tah-to.

Edited November 10, 2009 by Uncle Leo

[Operation_Home_Ownership]

I would be outside holding a can beggin myself if I tip'd everyone during my day for just doing their job [restaurant hospitality excluded].

 

I drive myself 99% of the time, I garage my car when at work in the city, if I tip'd the guy in the morn and the 2nd guy in the evening just for moving my car 15 ft in every single instance I would have broke the bank long ago.

 

I am not saying I do not believe in tipping, as I do tip BUT if anyone had the balls to say something slick at a moment when I didnt I would let them have it, as no one pays my bills to know how much I can spare to give them EXTRA because they woke up and rolled into work this AM.

 

Expected, blah!

[hegemony]

And that's the whole problem with tipping in general... it's become "expected".

 

Expected... entitlement. Po-tay-to... po-tah-to.

I need to put a tip jar in my office during office hours...

[NeilE]

Some of these people have probably had restaurant wait staff chase them out the door to throw change at them.

 

40-50% tip.. I need to switch professions. You do remember that a tip is a bonus for exceptional service right?

No, a GOOD tip is a bonus for exceptional service.

 

 

I am not saying if he earned a tip, but in general, cab drivers (especially in NY) do not make money on fairs. Tips are their major source of income.

Not true everywhere. Here we have no meters, rides are per person as determined by the local licensing board ($7/each to/from airport, pier, beaches, and $5/each to/from everywhere else within town borders), and drivers do receive 25 - 40% of the fare. But, what many don't bother to consider is how much of the driver's time they're taking up. If a driver can only squeeze 3 single passenger fares into an hour (common), that's only $3.75 - $6.00 for an hour of work. Now, if there's 6 of you traveling 2-3 blocks from the ferry to your hotel at $42, obviously we're fine with the $10.50 - $16.80, and anything over is bonus, but this rarely happens, and when it does, we're usually handed 3 - $20's and told to keep the change.

 

 

What the H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks are you talking about?!?! A tip is a BONUS on top of the fare for NOTABLE service.

Rubbish. With an attitude like that, you need to either walk or move to Europe.

 

 

9 times out of 10, ppl get into cabs and you [universal] are gabbing on your cell phone via ear piece so loud that we can not hear our own convos OR think that you are talking to us every 5mins, radio tuned-into something crazy, air temp inappropriate, and/or almost kill us with your crazy driving. Sheesh, taking a ride just several blocks we are lucky to make it out with our senses in tact and you want to get hot under the collar when you arent rewarded on top of the fare???

Sounds like a fun ride. Around here, though, we have to pry your [universal] destination out of you (or guess! C'mon people, know where you're going!!), answer yet another round of ridiculously stupid questions, and endure your drunken loudness and stink. How I sometimes wish I could just pop in some ear plugs and drive!

 

 

ANNNDDD How would a "Do Not Pick Up" List matter when a person waves their hand on the street and you stop, with the last robbery aka fare increase did you guys use some of the $$$ to install microchips making you robots who memorize addresses with faces??

 

If you waved your hand on the street, I'd wonder if I might know you, wave back, and keep driving. Hailing only happens in major metro areas. If you don't call, or have a business/hotel call for you, you won't be getting into my taxi. And, yes, we actually DO remember most faces and where we picked them up and dropped them off - that's part of the job. A big part.

[IndyPoolPlayer]

I disagree here. I think a tip is expected and R&C. Less than 15% is impolite IMO unless something outrageous happened like the cab dropped you off at the wrong airport or something. AFAIK 20% is usual so I tip 20%+.

In Europe it depends. Lower tips like 10%-15% may be customary. If you drive yourself you also pay for gas, tolls and airport parking. Not cheap in NYC.

 

"Expected" by who? Here is NY "impolite" for you nothingtolose. Bite Me. j/k

 

Aren't the words "New York" and "impolite" synonymous?

 

I don't know about NYC but here cabbies pay cab rent, and buy their gas. Everything they make above that is in their pocket, and typically under the table, or if they work for Yellow, 1099.

[IndyPoolPlayer]

If you waved your hand on the street, I'd wonder if I might know you, wave back, and keep driving. Hailing only happens in major metro areas. If you don't call, or have a business/hotel call for you, you won't be getting into my taxi. And, yes, we actually DO remember most faces and where we picked them up and dropped them off - that's part of the job. A big part.

 

Some cities do not allow cabbies to cruise for fares. Strictly "radio" runs. Many of them hang out at hotels to pick up fares to the airport, or hang out at the airport waiting for fares into the city.

[sonicanatidae]

I last used a credit card with a NYC taxi during a visit in May. When I keyed in a $1.60 tip on an $8 fare (vs. the minimum suggested of $2), the driver reacted as if I had reached over the seat and tried to pry one of his kidneys loose, ranting about the surcharges even after I slammed the door on him. Wished I'd stiffed him!

 

I drive a taxi, and were someone to give me a $1.60 tip I'd probably want to pound his/her head into the pavement, and wouldn't hesitate to say so! It would have cost me money to have a $1.60 tipper in my taxi. I'd swiftly add his/her phone number and/or address to our "DNPU" (Do Not Pick Up) list, and the next time he/she needs a taxi.. oops! We're unavailable! Much the same in many areas. On an $8 fare, anything under $3-$4 is a nasty slap in the face. Thankfully, nobody has ever done anything quite so hideous to me. FYI.

 

 

That type of entitlement is why people dont tip.. No one owes you a tip.

A tip is optional and for good service. If you dont like it..

 

Protip: FIND ANOTHER JOB THAT ISNT BASED ON TIPS..

 

 

I sincerely hope you are in an ER someday, getting treated for a minor

injury and the doc refuses to complete the work since you didnt tip him.

[higher180]

I've only used the cab once or twice, and each time I thought the experience was pleasant. I think my fare on average was about $17 or $18. I usally gave about a $10 tip on each. I dont' care much for singles, so I usually round up. I wish I could have used my debit card, that way i could have gotten rewards