What Checker Cab is and how to use it
Checker Cab is a taxi company that operates in select cities across the United States. You call a dispatch number, book through their app or website, or hail a cab on the street, and a driver picks you up and takes you to your destination. You pay a metered fare — the price changes based on distance and time — or a flat rate if the company offers one for your route.
Checker Cab does not operate everywhere. The company runs in specific metropolitan areas, and availability depends on your location. Before you try to book, check whether Checker Cab serves your city. If it does, you can reach them by phone, through their mobile app, or by standing on the street and flagging down a marked cab.
The company has been operating since 1958 and is one of the older taxi networks in the United States. It competes with other taxi services, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, and public transportation in the cities where it operates.
Key Takeaways
- Checker Cab operates only in certain cities, so you need to confirm the company serves your area before trying to book.
- You can request a ride by phone, through the Checker Cab app or website, or by hailing a cab on the street.
- Fares are metered and based on distance and time, though some locations may offer flat rates for specific routes.
- Payment methods vary by location but typically include cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
- Checker Cab is a traditional taxi service, different from ride-sharing apps in how you book, how drivers are licensed, and how fares are calculated.
How to book a Checker Cab ride
The method you use to book depends on what is available in your city. Most Checker Cab locations offer at least two or three ways to request a ride: by phone, through a mobile app, or by hailing a cab on the street.
To book by phone, call the Checker Cab dispatch number for your city. A dispatcher will ask for your pickup location, destination, and any special requests — such as a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or a larger cab. The dispatcher will tell you an estimated wait time and may provide a cab number so you can watch for your vehicle.
If your city has a Checker Cab app or website, you can enter your pickup and destination addresses, see the estimated fare, and request a ride directly. The app shows you the driver's location and estimated arrival time. Some apps let you schedule a ride in advance rather than requesting one when ready.
Hailing a cab on the street works the same way it has for decades: stand on a busy street, raise your hand, and flag down a marked Checker Cab. The driver will stop if they are available. This method does not work in all neighborhoods or at all times of day.
How Checker Cab fares are calculated
Checker Cab uses a metered fare system, meaning the price of your ride depends on the distance traveled and the time spent in the cab. The meter starts when the driver begins driving and stops when you reach your destination. You pay what the meter shows, plus any applicable taxes or surcharges.
The base fare, per-mile rate, and per-minute rate vary by city and are set by local taxi commissions or regulatory bodies. In some cities, Checker Cab may also charge a surcharge for airport pickups, late-night rides, or tolls. Ask the dispatcher or check the app before you book if you want to know the exact rates for your area.
Some Checker Cab locations offer flat rates for common routes, such as from the airport to downtown. If a flat rate is available, the driver or app will tell you the price before you get in the cab. Flat rates are usually cheaper than the metered fare would be for that same trip.
Tipping is not included in the metered fare. You can tip the driver in cash or, if you pay by card, on the card reader or app after the ride ends.
Payment methods and what to bring
Most Checker Cab drivers accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards. If you pay by card, the driver has a card reader in the cab, or you can pay through the app after the ride. Some drivers may have a minimum fare for card payments, though this varies by location.
If you pay in cash, bring enough money to cover the fare plus a tip. The driver may not have change for large bills, so smaller bills are safer. If you book through the app, you can set up a payment method in advance so you do not have to handle money at all.
You do not need to show an ID to ride Checker Cab, but the driver may ask for one if you pay by card. If you are traveling with luggage, the driver will help load it into the trunk.
Checker Cab versus ride-sharing apps and other taxis
Checker Cab is a traditional taxi service, which means it operates differently from ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft. Taxi drivers are licensed by the city or county and must pass background checks and vehicle inspections. Ride-sharing drivers are independent contractors who use their own vehicles and are not licensed as taxi drivers.
Fares work differently too. Checker Cab uses a metered system where the price is based on distance and time. Ride-sharing apps use surge pricing, which means the price goes up when demand is high. A Checker Cab ride during rush hour costs the same per mile as a ride at midnight, but a ride-sharing app will charge more during rush hour.
Checker Cab cabs are marked with the company logo and colors, making them straightforward to spot. Ride-sharing vehicles look like regular personal cars. If you prefer a traditional taxi experience or want to avoid surge pricing, Checker Cab may be the better choice. If you want to book through an app and see the driver's rating and vehicle details before they arrive, a ride-sharing app may suit you better.
What to do if you have a problem with your ride
If something goes wrong during your ride — the driver takes a wrong turn, charges you incorrectly, or you leave something in the cab — contact Checker Cab customer service. Most locations have a phone number you can call to report an issue. If you booked through the app, you can usually file a complaint or report a lost item through the app as well.
Keep your receipt or take a photo of the meter reading when you pay. This helps if you need to dispute a fare later. If you left something in the cab, call dispatch right away with the cab number and a description of the item. Drivers often turn in lost items to the dispatch office.
If you believe you were overcharged, contact the local taxi commission or regulatory body in your city. They oversee taxi fares and can investigate complaints. The Checker Cab dispatch office can also help resolve fare disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Checker Cab operate in my city?
Checker Cab operates in select cities only. Search online for "Checker Cab [your city name]" or visit the Checker Cab website to see the list of cities where they operate. You can also call directory information or search for the local taxi commission in your area to find out which taxi companies serve your location.
Can I schedule a Checker Cab in advance?
Some Checker Cab locations allow you to schedule a ride through the app or by calling dispatch. Advance bookings are useful if you need a ride at a specific time, such as for an airport pickup. Call your local Checker Cab dispatch number to ask whether advance booking is available in your area.
What if I do not have a smartphone or cannot use the app?
You can always call Checker Cab dispatch by phone or hail a cab on the street. The phone method works the same way it has for decades and does not require a smartphone or internet connection. Hailing on the street is free and when ready if a cab is nearby.
Are Checker Cab drivers required to take me anywhere in the city?
Yes, licensed taxi drivers are required to accept passengers and take them to any legal destination within their service area. They cannot refuse a ride based on where you want to go, though they can refuse if you are intoxicated or disruptive. If a driver refuses to take you, note the cab number and report it to Checker Cab dispatch or the local taxi commission.
How do I know the fare before I get in the cab?
If you book through the app, you will see an estimated fare before you confirm the ride. If you call dispatch or hail a cab on the street, ask the driver for an estimate. The driver can tell you the base fare and approximate per-mile rate for your area. The final fare may differ slightly based on the exact route and traffic conditions.