Credit card machines have now been installed in about half the city’s nearly 13,100 yellow cabs; all taxis are scheduled to have them by Jan. 31. From time to time, we have heard complaints about drivers refusing to take credit cards, or claiming that the machines were broken (some readers have posted complaints here on City Room). So the Metro Section decided to investigate. We sent out five reporters with instructions to try 20 trips each. They fanned out in Manhattan, boarded cabs and asked cabbies the question, “I’ve only got a credit card, is that O.K.?”
We expected some resistance. Taxi drivers walked off the job twice in two months this year, largely because of new machines that allow yellow cabs to accept credit cards. (Drivers were not happy, in particular, with the credit-card processing fees and the possibility that riders with cards might tip less than those paying cash.)
We’ll have the complete findings in Saturday editions, but here’s a sneak peek for our blog readers: Of the 92 tries (winter weather interfered with some tries), 47 of the trips — slightly more than half — were successfully paid for with a credit or debit card. About 35 cabs — nearly 40 percent — did not yet have the credit-card readers installed.
In the remaining 10 cabs, the drivers strongly resisted accepting credit cards, even though the readers were clearly working.
Most drivers equipped with the machines complied indifferently, but some winced and a few argued before allowing credit card payment (city regulations require them to accept the cards.)
A sample of claims that drivers made:
“There is a minimum cab fare for credit card use.” (There isn’t, according to the Taxi and Limousine Commission.)
There is a 35-cent transaction fee for credit cards.” (Not so.)
“It’s too short a ride.” (No such thing.)
“It better be a good credit card.” (Passengers can always pay with cash if the card is declined.)
The device doesn’t have to be activated until the new year. (If it is installed, passengers can use it.)
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Justin Randolph 01.11.08 at 11:49 am
This is crazy because I’ve taken about 4 cabs recently…I’ve been up front and clear with them that I will be paying with credit card. Fine, no response. At the end of the trip I get yelled at 3 out of the 4 times for using credit card….they claim they don’t get the tips or it’s too late and now they have to go and cash out for the payment, blah blah. One has even gone as far as to tell me I need to go to an ATM. I think this is ridiculous that they show such resistance. I get very frustrated with this because if it’s such a big deal then they shouldn’t accept the pick up anyways.
Josh 01.13.08 at 7:27 pm
The cabbies may not have the right to protest against credit cards being used, but if the cabbies themselves are forced to pay the rediculous processing fees and the passengers aren’t tipping as well as they would with cash, then I am totally sympathetic with the cabbies. The system needs to be fair, they work a hard job.
Ali 01.30.08 at 1:41 pm
Credit card is good thing in Yellow Taxi, but 5 % charge should go into passenger’s pocket. In every business the owner never pay a penny; they always charge transaction fee from the customer’s pocket like if you buy airline ticket and use credit card etc.. Then why rule is changed here for taxi drivers? Because TLC is ruled by the people have lots of $$$ and they never drive a cab and not able to understand the problems of drivers.
yellow-a 03.08.08 at 6:40 pm
Cabbies getting bigger TIPS!
FEBRUARY 29, 2008
Live from City Hall with Mayor Mike and John Gambling
Listen to archived radio show
Stephen 03.26.08 at 5:11 pm
Listen to the Mayor, He talks about cabbies between 16-19 minutes!
http://nyc.gov/html/om/html/2008a/media/abcrs022908.asx
Rahman 10.27.08 at 4:51 am
This is very serious matter but no body cares about it,we always having problem with our customers most of them don’t know we pay 5% of any swipe and is wasting time, that is very very wrong ,the very funy thing is that i need to go to ATM now to get cash with this wasting time we are working by time.