NYC Taxi Apps: Top Choices for City Travel

New York City, often referred to as the “Big Apple,” is a bustling metropolis that offers a diverse array of iconic attractions, from Central Park to the Brooklyn Heights promenade. Covering 321 square miles, navigating the city’s vast landscape can be a daunting task. While New York boasts one of the world’s largest year-round subway systems, it also provides an array of transportation options, including taxis, trains, bikes, boats, and buses.

In this article, we will shed light on the best NYC taxi apps that are officially approved by the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (NYC TLC). This agency, part of the New York City government, oversees and licenses both medallion taxis and for-hire vehicle industries, including app-based companies.

Whether you’re a local seeking a ride within the city or a traveler exploring the wonders of the “Big Apple,” this guide is your ultimate resource for understanding NYC taxi apps and rideshare options.

Best NYC Taxi Apps

If you’re wondering how to hail a taxi in NYC, you’re in the right place. You can flag one down on the street, but using a taxi app is increasingly popular and convenient. Here’s a list of the best NYC taxi apps for 2022:

Drivers Cooperative
Revel
Gravity
Curb
Myle
Arro
Via
Uber
Lyft

1. Drivers Cooperative

Overview: Drivers Cooperative is a driver-owned ride-hailing platform that was founded in 2020. This cooperative currently has over 2,500 drivers in New York City and offers various types of rides, including long-distance trips. One unique aspect is its driver-focused approach, with drivers earning 8-10% more than Uber and Lyft due to smaller commissions and annual dividends.
What We Like: Drivers Cooperative’s commitment to a driver-driven and cooperative model, promoting fair wages and profit-sharing.
What We Don’t Like: Recent rider complaints of inflated fares.
Availability: New York City
Mobile Apps: Android | iOS

2. Revel

Overview: Revel is an electric vehicle (EV) ride-sharing option with a focus on sustainable mobility. The company aims to combat climate change by providing eco-friendly rides to users.
What We Like: Revel’s commitment to sustainability and electric vehicles in a bid to address climate change.
What We Don’t Like: Limited service areas, as Revel operates only south of 72nd Street and doesn’t cover Brooklyn.
Availability: New York City
Mobile Apps: Android | iOS

3. Gravity

Overview: Gravity Mobility is a relatively small taxi app in New York. It was approved by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission in 2021 and is known for offering luxury electric vehicle rides. Safety is a top priority, with features such as artificial intelligence cameras and sensors to ensure safe operations.
What We Like: Gravity’s use of electric vehicles and commitment to safety.
What We Don’t Like: The app is only available for iOS users.
Availability: New York City
Mobile App: iOS

4. Curb

Overview: Curb, operating with yellow cabs, works exclusively with professional taxi drivers. Every ride booked through the Curb app is guaranteed to be with a fully licensed and insured driver. The app offers various ride options, including shared and wheelchair-accessible rides.
What We Like: The app’s ease of use and reliability. It also offers reservation options.
What We Don’t Like: Drivers working on the Curb rideshare platform are not directly affiliated with the company, which could affect customer support.
Availability: NYC, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and Las Vegas.
Mobile Apps: Android | iOS

5. Myle

Overview: RideMyle is a ride-hailing company that offers on-demand transportation services, including options for standard vehicles, SUVs, non-emergency transportation, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and carpooling rides. Myle focuses on government and healthcare industry transportation, providing wheelchair services and non-emergency medical transportation.
What We Like: The versatility of ride options and the ability to pre-schedule rides without surge pricing.
What We Don’t Like: Some users have reported occasional app glitches.
Availability: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island.
Mobile Apps: Android | iOS

6. Arro

Overview: Arro Taxi is one of the New York taxi apps, designed for hailing a ride from your location and serving as a payment app. Arro facilitates seamless payment within a taxi, with users entering a pairing code to pay.
What We Like: The convenience of in-app payments for taxi rides.
What We Don’t Like: Some users have reported that meters start running when matched with a driver, potentially increasing the fare before starting the ride.
Availability: New York City and other major U.S. cities, including Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, and San Francisco.
Mobile Apps: Android | iOS

7. Via

Overview: Via was a unique TransitTech platform that operated designated pickup and drop-off points for passengers. It focused on providing cost-effective, convenient, and equitable mobility solutions.
What We Like: Via’s competitive rates and innovative shared ride system.
What We Don’t Like: Via discontinued its NYC rideshare service in December 2021, likely due to pandemic-related challenges and labor shortages.
Availability: Previously available in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Mobile Apps: Android | iOS

8. Uber

Overview: Uber is a globally recognized ridesharing option available in New York City, offering a range of services from UberX to Uber Black, including Long Distance Uber Rides. It also provides specialized services, such as pet-friendly and wheelchair-accessible rides.
What We Like: Uber’s wide array of ride options and user-friendly app experience.
What We Don’t Like: Surge pricing and wait times during high-demand periods, as well as labor shortages.
Availability: Nationwide
Mobile Apps: Android | iOS

9. Lyft

Overview: Lyft is a popular alternative to Uber, offering upfront fare pricing to provide cost transparency to users. If you’re new to Lyft, you can often enjoy promotional discounts for your rides.
What We Like: Lyft’s transparent pricing model and discounts for first-time users.
What We Don’t Like: Safety concerns related to rideshare services, along with potential driver shortages.
Availability: Nationwide
Mobile Apps: Android | iOS

New York City Taxi Drivers Go On Hunger Strike Over Medallion Debt

Find The Cheapest Rideshare Option With The OBI App

While these taxi and rideshare apps provide valuable options for your city travel, you can take your savings a step further with the OBI app. OBI is a free cab fare estimator available on both iOS and Android devices, with access to a global network of over 11 million cars. It allows you to compare available rideshares, taxis, and car services in your area, helping you find the most affordable option for your journey.

It’s worth noting that while OBI offers upfront pricing estimates, it may not account for any promotional discounts you have with ride providers. To ensure you’re getting the best deal, consider using the OBI app to compare rates.

Uber vs. Taxi in NYC

Comparing Uber and traditional taxis in New York City can provide valuable insights into your transportation choices. Uber offers a wide selection of ride options, from UberX to Uber Black and even rides with car seats, making it versatile for various travel needs. However, Uber pricing is subject to surge pricing during peak hours and high demand.

This means that during busy times, you might experience inflated prices and longer wait times. In response to labor shortages and increased demand, Uber is collaborating with New York City taxis to offer passengers more choices and taxi drivers increased fare volume.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do NYC Taxis Take Cash?

Yes, in New York City, you can pay for your taxi service with cash. Major credit cards, such as Visa, MasterCard, and Discover, are also widely accepted by most taxi drivers.

How Many Uber Drivers Are in NYC?

As of today, Uber has approximately 80,000 drivers operating in New York City.

How Much Does an Uber from JFK to Manhattan Cost?

The average cost for an Uber ride from JFK to Manhattan is around $89 for Uber X, $99 for Uber XL, and $95 for Uber Comfort, without considering surge pricing.

How Much Should You Tip Taxi Drivers in NYC?

Taxi drivers in NYC should be tipped around 10% of the fare. In contrast, limousine and livery drivers, who typically provide more luxurious services, should receive no less than 15% as a tip.

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Don’t Hail a Cab, Use a Taxi App

Now that you’re well-informed about the taxi, cab, and rideshare apps available in New York, you can make your city travels more convenient and efficient. Next time you need a taxi in NYC, don’t rely on traditional hand signals; instead, install one of these reliable apps for a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

In conclusion, New York City offers a diverse array of options for getting around, with the convenience and simplicity of taxi apps playing a vital role in modern city living. Whether you’re looking for sustainable mobility, a driver-focused cooperative, or a versatile ridesharing experience, the NYC taxi apps discussed here provide a wide range of choices for all types of travelers in the “Big Apple.”