The Not-So-Secret Life of NYC's Yellow Cabs: A Deep Dive (Kind Of)
Ah, the yellow cab. As iconic to New York City as a steaming hot dog or a jaywalking pigeon, these zippy rectangles have been weaving through the concrete jungle for decades. But have you ever wondered, amidst the honking chaos, just how many of these taxicabs are there?
Hold on to your hats (or hail a cab, if you must!), because we're about to dive into the fascinating, slightly messy, world of NYC's yellow taxi count.
 |
| How Many Yellow Taxis In New York |
By the Numbers: The Official Tally
According to the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC, the folks who keep the city's taxi game in check), there are a whopping 13,587 licensed medallions. Now, what's a medallion, you ask? It's basically a fancy permit that allows a taxi to operate and, let me tell you, these medallions used to be like gold! But that's a story for another rainy afternoon.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
So, 13,587, huh? Easy peasy, right? Wrong. The world of NYC taxis is more intricate than a rush hour detour.
The Plot Thickens: Where Rubber Meets the Road
Here's the thing: not all 13,587 medallions are out there hustling fares 24/7. Thanks to the pandemic (thanks a bunch, 2020), the industry took a bit of a hit. Some drivers found greener pastures (pun intended), and ridership hasn't quite bounced back to pre-pandemic levels.
Tip: Don’t just glance — focus.
So, how many yellow cabs are actually out there? Buckle up, because this is where things get fuzzy.
There's no official count, but some taxi enthusiasts estimate the real number to be around 10,000. Think of it as the "Schr�dinger's Cat" of NYC taxis: they're both there and not there, depending on your luck (and maybe the time of day).
QuickTip: Skim fast, then return for detail.
 |
Fun Fact: Not All Yellow Cabs Are Created Equal
New York City has a thing for color-coding its taxis. You might have seen some green cabs roaming around. Those are our borough taxis, restricted to specific areas outside of Manhattan. So, while they share the yellow cab's love of honking and weaving through traffic, they're a different breed altogether.
FAQ: Your Burning Yellow Taxi Questions Answered (Hopefully)
How to hail a yellow cab in NYC? Stick your arm out like you're summoning the Bat-Signal, make eye contact, and hope for the best. ( Bonus points for yelling "Taxi!" in a convincing New Yorker accent.)
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
How to avoid surge pricing in a yellow cab? Unlike ride-hailing apps, yellow cabs use a meter, so you shouldn't encounter any surprise charges. Just make sure the meter is running before you take off!
How to become a yellow cab driver in NYC? This one requires some serious dedication. You'll need a taxi driver's license, which involves passing a bunch of tests (written and road).
How much does a yellow cab ride cost? The meter starts at $2.50, and then it's a beautiful dance with distance, time, and traffic.
How to navigate the yellow cab experience with minimal existential dread? Deep breaths, my friend. Deep breaths.
 |
