Metered Rates

• $2.25 for the first 1/9th mile or less
• $0.20 for each additional 1/9th of a mile
• $2.00 every 6 minutes for waiting time ($20 / hr)
• There is an extra $1.00 charge for for the first additional passenger over the age of 12 and under the age of 65, and $.50 for each additional passenger.
• There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use, and tipping is optional
• Trips to or from suburbs may be charged additional 50% on metered rates.

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• Carry a map of the city with you.
• There is no extra charge for baggage handling or carrying devices to aid passengers with physical disabilities.
• Write down the cab company name and number of the taxicab in which you are riding.
• Call the Department of Consumer Services lost and found section, 312/746-7100, to inquire about items lost or forgotten in a taxicab.

Just like drivers are required to provide a professional level of service, there are things that passengers can do to make the ride more enjoyable. Below are suggestions on how to make your ride more enjoyable.

Getting Your Cab

• You may hail a cab or call one of Chicago's cab companies to prearrange a trip (See the directory here)
• When you hail a cab, drivers cannot refuse service unless the "Not for Hire" sign is displayed
• Cabs licensed within the City of Chicago may take you anywhere in the city or to the suburbs
• Cabs licensed from another city may not service Chicago to Chicago destinations
• Midway and O'Hare airports have starters, individuals who will answer your questions or help you find a cab

After You Have Hailed Your Cab

• Once you are in the taxi, tell the driver the exact address of where you want to go
• The driver must follow any specific driving directions you give, but remember that the driver may know of a traffic problem that makes a route undesirable
• You pay the amount shown on the taximeter, plus any tolls. The meter starts at $2.25, then increases $.20 for each additional 1/9 of a mile. There is an extra $1.00 charge for for the first additional passenger over the age of 12 and under the age of 65, and $.50 for each passenger after that. There is no extra charge for baggage or credit card use, and tipping is optional
• After arriving at your destination, ask the driver for a completed receipt that has the following information: company name; vehicle medallion number; date, time, place of pick up and destination; fare charges; drivers name and license number
• Taxi cab companies that sell their passengers coupons for use as payment of fares must sell their coupons to passengers age 65 and older at a 10 percent discount.

Identifying Your Cab and Driver Cab

• The driver's chauffeur license (picture ID) and the vehicle license should be displayed in clear view on the right side of the dashboard or in the safety shield
• The taxi's license or medallion number, can be found in several places: the license plate; the rear of the front seat; both rear door panels; the right rear of the vehicle; the left front of the hood

Remember that cab drivers attend rigorous training courses to become licensed. The Department of Consumer Services is committed to ensuring that cab rides are courteous and safe. Complaints and compliments can be filed by filling out the online complaint form and contacting the Department of Consumer Services Complaint Hotline at 311 .

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