Hailing a cab in Chicago is straightforward, offering several convenient methods to secure a licensed taxi for your travel needs.
Methods to Secure a Licensed Chicago Taxi
You can find and hail a licensed Chicago taxi through various channels, ensuring accessibility whether you're on the street, near a designated stand, or prefer to use technology.
- Street Hail: The classic method involves simply flagging down a taxi directly from the street. Look for taxis with their rooftop light illuminated, indicating they are available.
- Taxi Stands: Many busy locations, such as airports, train stations, and major hotels, have designated taxi stands where you can queue for the next available cab.
- Phone Dispatch: If you prefer to schedule a pickup or are in an area where street hails are less common, you can call a taxi company directly to dispatch a cab to your location.
- Mobile Apps: For a modern and often efficient approach, utilize dedicated taxi-hailing applications on your smartphone. The primary apps for licensed Chicago taxis are:
- CURB: This app allows you to book and pay for rides with licensed taxis. It's particularly useful for requesting a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxi. You can learn more and download the app at gocurb.com.
- ARRO: Similar to CURB, ARRO also connects you with licensed taxis for convenient booking and payment. Visit goarro.com for more information.
Important Considerations
When you board a taxi, ensure the chauffeur starts the taxi meter at the beginning of your trip. This ensures you are charged correctly based on the metered fare. Licensed Chicago taxis are identifiable by their city markings and official medallions.
