What Curb Does

Curb is a mobile app that lets you request a taxi from your phone instead of hailing one on the street or calling a dispatch number. You open the app, tell it where you are, and a nearby taxi driver accepts your ride. The app shows you the driver's location in real time, tells you the estimated fare before you get in, and handles payment through your phone.

Curb works in most major U.S. cities and some international locations. It connects you to licensed taxi fleets rather than private drivers — the cars are regulated by your city's taxi commission, and drivers carry the same credentials as taxis you'd flag down. The main difference is that you're booking through an app instead of standing on a corner.

The service costs the same as a regular taxi ride in your area. You don't pay Curb itself; you pay the taxi driver or the fleet, and Curb straightforward processes the transaction. There is no surge pricing — rates follow your city's standard taxi meter rates.

Key Takeaways

  • Curb connects you to licensed taxis through an app, and you pay the same meter rate you would in a street hail or phone dispatch.
  • You need a smartphone with the Curb app installed, a valid payment method on file, and a location where a taxi is available.
  • The app shows you the driver's real-time location and estimated fare before you confirm the ride.
  • Payment happens through the app, and you receive a receipt when ready after the ride ends.
  • Curb operates in major cities but not everywhere; you can check the app to see if service is available in your area.

How to read and Set Up Curb

Start by downloading the Curb app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, depending on whether you have an iPhone or Android phone. The app is free to read.

Open the app and create an account using your email address or phone number. You'll be asked to enter your full name, phone number, and a password. Curb will send you a confirmation code via text or email — enter that code to verify your account.

Next, add a payment method. Tap the menu or settings icon (usually three horizontal lines or a gear icon) and select "Payment" or "Payment Methods." You can add a credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Curb will ask for your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). Your payment information is encrypted and stored securely.

Finally, turn on location services for the Curb app. Go to your phone's settings, find the Curb app, and make sure location permission is set to "Always" or "While Using the App." Curb needs to know where you are to show nearby drivers and send them to your pickup spot.

Requesting a Ride Step by Step

Open the Curb app and allow it to access your location. The map will show your current position and any available taxis nearby. If no taxis appear on the map, service may not be available in your area at that moment.

Tap the pickup location field at the top of the screen. The app will default to your current location, but you can change it by typing an address, intersection, or landmark. Be as specific as possible — if you're at a large building or busy street, mention which entrance or side you'll be waiting on. Tap "Confirm Pickup Location" when you're done.

Next, enter your destination. Tap the "Where to?" field and type the address or place name. The app will show you the estimated fare based on the distance and your city's meter rate. Review this estimate — it's what you'll pay (or close to it, depending on traffic and route).

Tap "Request Ride" or the equivalent button. The app will send your request to nearby drivers. You'll see a notification when a driver accepts. The map will then show the driver's car moving toward you in real time, along with the driver's name, photo, and taxi number. Most drivers arrive within 5 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy the area is.

When the driver arrives, confirm it's the right car by checking the license plate or taxi number shown in the app. Get in and tell the driver your destination if they don't already have it from the app. Some drivers will confirm the address with you; others will start driving right away.

Payment and Receipts

Payment is handled automatically through the app. When you reach your destination, the driver will tell you the ride is complete, or the app will prompt you to end the ride. The fare will be calculated based on the meter rate and the distance traveled.

The payment method you added during setup will be charged automatically. You don't need to hand over cash or a card. If you want to add a tip, the app will ask you before finalizing the charge — you can choose a percentage (usually 15%, 18%, or 20%) or enter a custom amount.

Once the payment is processed, you'll receive a receipt in the app showing the pickup location, dropoff location, distance, fare, tip, and total. You can also request that the receipt be emailed to you. Keep this receipt for your records, especially if you need it for business expenses or reimbursement.

What to Do If No Driver Accepts Your Request

If you've been waiting more than 10 to 15 minutes and no driver has accepted, it usually means no taxis are available in your area at that moment. This can happen during very busy times or in areas with fewer taxis.

You have two options: keep waiting (the app will keep your request active), or cancel and try again later. To cancel, tap the "Cancel Ride" button in the app. You won't be charged if you cancel before a driver accepts.

If you cancel and want to try again, wait a minute or two and request a new ride. Sometimes drivers become available quickly. If service is consistently unavailable in your area, Curb may not operate there yet, or it may only be available during certain hours. Check the app's service map or contact Curb support through the app to confirm.

Curb vs. Hailing a Taxi on the Street

The main advantage of Curb is that you don't have to stand on the street waiting and hoping a taxi passes by. You can request a ride from inside a building, restaurant, or hotel, and know exactly when the driver will arrive. You also see the estimated fare before you get in, so there are no surprises.

The disadvantage is that you need a smartphone and a data connection. If your phone battery dies or you lose internet access, you can't use the app. In those situations, hailing a taxi on the street or calling a dispatch number is your backup option.

Curb also requires you to set up an account and add a payment method in advance. If you prefer to pay cash, you can't use Curb — you'll need to use a traditional taxi hail or phone dispatch instead.

Pricing is identical between Curb and street hails in the same city, so cost is not a factor in choosing one over the other.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

The app won't show my location. Make sure location services are turned on for Curb in your phone's settings. On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services and make sure Curb is set to "While Using the App" or "Always." On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Curb > Permissions > Location and select "Allow." Restart the app after changing these settings.

I'm not seeing any available taxis. This means no drivers are currently nearby or accepting rides in your area. Wait a few minutes and try again, or move to a busier location if possible. Curb is more reliable in downtown areas and near major transit hubs. If you're in a neighborhood where Curb rarely has drivers, you may need to use a traditional taxi dispatch.

The estimated fare seems wrong. The estimate is based on distance and your city's standard meter rate. If traffic is heavy, the actual fare may be higher because the meter runs on time as well as distance. The app will show you the final fare before you're charged, so you can see the difference.

I was charged but the driver never showed up. If a driver accepted your ride but didn't arrive, or if you were charged for a ride you didn't take, contact Curb support through the app. Tap the menu, select "Help" or "Support," and describe what happened. Curb can review the ride record and issue a refund if there was an error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request a ride for someone else?

Yes. When you enter the pickup location, you can add a note with the passenger's name or phone number so the driver knows who to pick up. This is useful if you're ordering a taxi for a friend or family member at a different location. The driver will still be able to contact you through the app if they have questions.

What if I need to change my destination after the ride starts?

Tell the driver directly. They can adjust the route, and the meter will calculate the new fare based on the actual distance traveled. You don't need to do anything in the app — just communicate with the driver.

Is Curb available 24/7?

Curb operates during the hours that taxis are available in your city. In most major cities, that's around the clock, but in smaller cities or suburbs, service may be limited to daytime hours. Check the app to see what hours Curb operates in your area.

Do I need to tip through the app, or can I tip the driver in cash?

You can do either. The app will prompt you to add a tip when the ride ends, but you can skip that and give cash to the driver instead. Some drivers prefer one method over the other, so asking is always polite.

What happens if I leave something in the taxi?

Contact Curb support through the app when ready. Provide details about what you left behind and when the ride occurred. Curb can contact the driver and taxi fleet on your behalf. Many taxis have a lost and found system, so reporting it quickly increases your chances of recovery.