The jury’s still out on just how the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is going to handle increased demand in Brooklyn for those wonderful cruising yellow medallion cabs that are so easy to flag in Manhattan.

However, one thing’s for sure: cabs are in high demand in Brooklyn.

Street Smart Tips

When using yellow taxis to navigate New York’s five boroughs, particularly within Brooklyn or from Manhattan to Brooklyn, here are seven key “dos and don’ts” to ensure a smooth journey.

1. DO help your cabbie get to your Brooklyn destination. Cab drivers must know how to reach any destination in New York City, including Bushwick or Flatlands in Brooklyn. Nevertheless, according to TLC, yellow cab drivers are expected to be familiar with major destinations in Brooklyn and possess a map. Taxi drivers should not refuse service simply because they lack familiarity with specific Brooklyn areas.
2. DON’T assume a cabbie has GPS. Surprisingly, GPS is not a mandatory requirement. TLC regulations necessitate that drivers “know the lay of the land,” which oddly highlights a persistent belief that outer boroughs are complex and challenging to navigate.
3. DO complain if your cabbie is talking on a cell phone. Everyone has experienced the unsettling feeling of a cabbie conversing distractedly while maneuvering through traffic. According to TLC, cab drivers are prohibited from using cell phones—even hands-free units—while operating a taxi.
4. DON’T forget the car seat for your child. If traveling with young children, it is essential to bring your own car seats. Taxi drivers must allow you to install these seats; however, it is your responsibility to ensure your children are safely buckled in.
5. DON’T take no for an answer when you request multiple stops. If you and your friends have multiple destinations, a cabbie must take you. TLC dictates that drivers cannot refuse passengers with more than one stop, so if you plan to share a cab to Brooklyn but have differing addresses, the cabbie is obligated to comply.
6. Don’t overcrowd an NYC cab. While it’s not feasible to fit a large number of people into a taxi, you should know that generally, no more than four or five passengers can safely ride in a yellow cab, depending on the seating arrangement. A child under 7 can share a seat with another passenger. If all seats are occupied, a passenger may sit in the front, but it is advised to sit in the back unless absolutely necessary.
7. DO tell your local NYC elected official to revisit the Talking Taxi. Remember the fun of those iconic tapes featuring celebrities like Elmo reminding passengers to buckle up? Advocating for the return of the Talking Taxi concept through online petitions can certainly reignite that nostalgic charm.