29.8.12 - 
Manhattan
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Manhattan
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Taxis, Subway, Buses, Rental Cars, Limos, Zipcar…
Subway and Buses
The fastest and cheapest way to get around is using the subway or buses. The Metrocard is valid for both and can be purchased at the subway station's vending machines. The subway is faster but the buses are cleaner and you can enjoy the view… Each ride costs $2.25 and you get free subway-to-bus, bus-to-bus or bus-to-subway transfer within 2 hours of paying your fare. Here are the options:
- Pay-Per-Ride: the more you ride, the less each ride costs, because you get a 7% bonus on purchase of $10 or more. Consider this one if you take the subway occasionally, as the ticket is valid for several months;
- 7- Day Unlimited: Consider this one if you take more than 14 rides a week ($29);
- 30- Day Unlimited: Good if you take more than 50 rides a month ($104).
Tip 1: Every subway station has at least 2 entries: Uptown and Downtown (some stations have 2 for each, one on each corner). Pay attention because at the smaller stations there is no communication between the lines once you get in, so if you entered the wrong one you will have to go out and pay twice. And if you are using an Unlimited Metrocard you will have to wait for 18 minutes to swipe it again at the same station...
Tip 2: The subway lines are located under major avenues, and their trains go in the same direction as the cars on a two-way street. For example: Under 8th Ave/ West End Ave is located the A-C Lines. If you face downtown, the subway entries on the right side of the Avenue go Downtown. The entries on the left side go Uptown. This makes easier to get into the wright entry and also helps when you leave the station.
Tip 3: There are a lot of apps about subway maps. I usually use Google Maps in my iPhone or MTA Subway Time but I also like Embark NYC because it works offline (and it's free). But if you prefer real maps, the Streetwise Maps are the best.
Tip 4: Every subway line has Local and Express tracks. Pay attention to the color of the dot representing the station on the map. The Black dots denote stations that receive only local trains, i.e., those that make every stop along the line. Stations marked with white dots receive both local and express service; express trains stop only at select stations so they are faster if you are traveling a long distance.
Subway map- MTA
Subway map- MTA
Yellow Cabs
Usually they drive really bad and are always talking on the phone...
The taxi is available if just the "taxi" sign is lit. If the off- duty sign is on it means he is going to change shift and has no obligation to take you. Most of the time they stop and ask you where you wanna go, and if your destination is in the same way as theirs, they will take you, but you may have to pay for the ride in cash (don't forget the 15% - 20% tip).
It's really difficult to find an available taxi on rainy days, as well as during the shift changes (from 4pm to 7:30pm).
The meter starts at $2.50 and goes up 50¢ per 1/5 mile or 2 minutes (if the traffic is slow). There is a weekday surcharge of $1 between 4pm and 8pm, and a 50¢ surcharge from 8pm to 6am.
There is a flat rate to and from JFK airport of $45.00. Newark ride is on the meter with a surcharge of $15.00. All cabs accept credit cards (that annoying screen in front of you is used for that. You enter how much you wanna tip, press ok, then swipe the card in the small device next to it. By the way, you can mute it by touching the volume button).
It is against the law for a taxi cab driver to refuse a person based on race, disability, or a passenger's requested destination in New York City. A taxicab driver is required to drive a passenger to any destination in the five city boroughs. You can make a refusal complaint by calling 311. Just make sure you have the cab's medallion number. Do ask for and keep your printed receipt.
It is against the law for a taxi cab driver to refuse a person based on race, disability, or a passenger's requested destination in New York City. A taxicab driver is required to drive a passenger to any destination in the five city boroughs. You can make a refusal complaint by calling 311. Just make sure you have the cab's medallion number. Do ask for and keep your printed receipt.
Gypsy Cabs
The official taxis are yellow, but don't be surprised if you hail a cab on the street and a black car approaches you. Black cabs don't have license to work as taxis, so they are illegal. They work by appointment (limo service companies) but when they are free they pick up passengers. If you chose to ride with them make sure to negotiate the rate before entering the car and to pay in cash, as they usually don't carry a credit card machine. You can also hire them via Uber (see in Limos).
Rental Cars
Don't even consider about renting a car. It's really tough to park in the city, and the parking lots are expensive (it's better to catch a cab). It's worth only if you are planning to travel or to go to an Outlet (and don't wanna go by bus). The main companies have great iPhone apps.
Tip for Expats: Usually you get cheaper fares renting it with your foreigner's driver license.
Limos
It's hassle free… A lot of companies work by appointment. I use them when I have to go to the airport during yellow cab's shift changes. I've used Limos , Groundlink and Carmel (all of them have great booking iPhone apps, but sometimes it is more expensive if you book via app than through the website, don't ask me why!). Another great option is to sign up in Uber so you can hire those black cabs I've mentioned above (via app) when they are free without having to negociate the rate. As there are lots of them it's usufull especially during the shift changes.
Zipcar
Another option is the car sharing system of Zipcar. I've never used it but sounds interesting…
