Some Las Vegas taxi information ...

[annie]

For the past 4 DLVs, I have not rented a car, and I've found that I actually enjoy things more that way.

The cost of a rental car easily pays for a few taxi rides per day and a modest donation to the fuel fund of somebody who shares a ride. The taxi has been my main transportation at DLV since 2007.

I also don't have to worry about being over the limit when enjoying a few adult beverages.

As many DLVers will attest, taking a taxi is quite "safe", even for those who don't have much public exposure.

Here's a list of taxi facts which is currently circulating, and it clears up some of the misinformation which is out there regarding taxis in Las Vegas.
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STATE OF NEVADA
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
TAXICAB AUTHORITY

DID YOU KNOW???

• Passengers utilizing a credit card for payment will be charge [sic] a $3.00 fee over and above the meter charge.

• Las Vegas taxicab drivers cannot pick up passengers off of the street (flag or hailed ride).

• Taxicab passengers can only be charged the amount shown on the taxi meter.

• Taxicab fares must be paid in U.S. currency.

• All taxicab companies are required to maintain a lost-and-found for items left in taxicabs.

• All passengers must wear a seat belt while in a taxicab.

• In 2010 Las Vegas taxicabs completed 25,187,413 trips.

• The maximum number of passengers permitted in a Las Vegas taxicab (sedan style) is five.

• Use of the I-215 tunnel from McCarran Airport is NEVER the shortest route to ANY Las Vegas Strip hotel.

• Taxicab drivers must obey the passenger’s directions as it relates to route taken.

• Baby seats are not required in Las Vegas taxicabs, but they can be used if the passengers bring their own.

• Taxicab drivers CANNOT smoke or use tobacco products if there are passengers in the taxicab.

• There are currently 16 taxicab companies in Las Vegas, operated by 9 different owner groups.

• The Nevada Taxicab Authority has been in existence since 1969.

• There are approximately 3,000 vehicles in the Las Vegas taxicab fleet.

• Nevada law requires Las Vegas taxicabs to have air conditioning and heat.

• Taxicab passengers CANNOT be charged for the loading/unloading or transporting of their luggage.

• Tips or gratuities to taxi drivers in Las Vegas are optional and NOT required.

• “Long Hauling” occurs when a taxi driver takes the least direct route without the passenger’s permission.

• “High Flagging” occurs when a taxi driver transports a passenger without engaging the taxi meter.

• New Las Vegas taxicabs can operate for 67 months from the date they are originally placed into service.

• There are approximately 9,500 taxicab drivers in Las Vegas.

• “Front Loading” occurs on a taxicab stand when a taxi driver illegally pulls in front of other taxicabs to load.

• It is a crime to enter a Las Vegas taxicab without sufficient funds to pay the fare.

• A Las Vegas taxicab driver may refuse to transport, if a passenger gives no specific address or destination.

• A taxicab passenger in Las Vegas must be given a completed receipt if they request one from the driver.

• Las Vegas taxicab drivers are not permitted to divert a passenger from their original destination.

• Every taxicab driver must display their “TAXICAB DRIVERS PERMIT” in the taxi at all times.

• All Las Vegas taxicab companies have specific vehicle color combinations and vehicle numbers.

• Nevada Taxicab Authority enforcement personnel are on duty 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.

When you enter a taxicab, the driver will start the taximeter (referred to as the “drop”) and an initial charge of $3.30 will register. If a taxicab ride originates at McCarran Airport, an additional airport surcharge of $1.80 per trip is added to the taximeter.

After the initial “drop”, the taximeter will assess a fare of $2.40 per mile ($.20 for each 1/12th of a mile traveled). If the taximeter senses that the taxicab is moving less than 8-12 MPH, the taximeter will assess a charge of $.20 every 24 seconds ($30.00 per hour waiting time). That is why the taximeter continues to accumulate charges even when the taxicab is not moving. Once the taximeter senses that the taxicab is moving at a speed greater than 8-12 MPH the fare calculates on the actual distance traveled.

[JillHill]

Thanks Anne, This is great information. This will be the first time in Vegas that I have not taken my car. Never through about asking for this information, but it is nice to have. Luv Jill