If you’re traveling to the United States and you need a ride, there are several options available to you. You can either take a traditional taxi or use a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. In this article, we’ll provide an overview of how to find and book a taxi or ride-hailing service in the United States, as well as some of the major companies to look out for.
Taxis in the United States
Taxis are widely available in most major cities throughout the United States. They can be hailed on the street, booked by phone or app, or found at designated taxi stands. Taxis in the United States are usually metered, meaning that the fare is determined by the distance traveled and the amount of time spent in the taxi.
Finding a Taxi
To find a taxi, you can look for designated taxi stands in high-traffic areas like airports, train stations, and shopping centers. You can also hail a taxi on the street by looking for a taxi with a lit “taxi” sign on top. Alternatively, you can use a taxi-hailing app like Curb or Flywheel to book a taxi in advance.
Major Taxi Companies
Here are some of the major taxi companies operating in the United States:
- Yellow Cab: With over 120 fleets in the country, Yellow Cab is one of the largest taxi companies in the United States. They operate in several major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago.
- Checker Cab: Operating in several major cities including New York, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia, Checker Cab is a well-established taxi company that has been in operation for over 90 years.
- Metro Cab: With a presence in over 50 cities across the country, Metro Cab is a reliable option for travelers in need of a taxi.
Ride-hailing Services in the United States
Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft have become increasingly popular in the United States in recent years. These services allow passengers to book a ride through a mobile app, with the fare calculated upfront based on the destination and the type of vehicle requested.
Finding a Ride-hailing Service
To use a ride-hailing service in the United States, you will need to download the relevant app onto your smartphone. Once you have done so, you will be able to enter your pick-up location, choose your destination, and select the type of vehicle you require.
Major Ride-hailing Companies
Here are some of the major ride-hailing companies operating in the United States:
- Uber: Uber is the largest ride-hailing service in the United States, operating in over 700 cities across the country. They offer several types of vehicles, including standard sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars.
- Lyft: With a presence in over 600 cities across the United States, Lyft is the second-largest ride-hailing service in the country. They offer several types of vehicles, including standard sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars.
- Via: A smaller ride-hailing service compared to Uber and Lyft, Via operates in several major cities including New York, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Their unique selling point is that they offer shared rides, which can be a cost-effective option for solo travelers.
Whether you prefer to take a traditional taxi or use a ride-hailing service, there are plenty of options available for travelers in the United States. By using the information provided in this article, you should be able to find and book a reliable and affordable ride to get you to your destination.