What Uber Taxi Service is and how it differs from other Uber options
Uber Taxi is a service that connects you with licensed taxi cabs in your area through the Uber app. Unlike UberX, which uses private drivers with their own vehicles, Uber Taxi pairs you with actual medallion-holding taxis — the same ones you would hail on the street, but booked through your phone. The driver, vehicle, and insurance are all regulated by your city's taxi commission, not just by Uber.
The main difference is regulation. Taxi drivers must pass background checks, vehicle inspections, and knowledge tests set by local government. They carry commercial insurance required by law. Uber Taxi exists in cities where the taxi industry has negotiated or required this integration with the Uber platform. Not every city offers it — availability depends on whether local taxi companies have partnered with Uber or been required to do so.
Pricing works the same way as other Uber services: you see the estimated fare before you request, and you pay through the app. The meter still runs, but you do not see it tick up in real time the way you would in a traditional taxi. Some cities allow Uber Taxi drivers to accept cash; others require app payment only.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Taxi connects you with licensed, medallion-holding cabs regulated by your city, not private Uber drivers.
- Availability depends on whether your city's taxi industry has partnered with Uber or been required to integrate with the platform.
- You see the estimated fare before requesting, and payment happens through the app unless the driver is permitted to accept cash.
- Taxi drivers must pass city-mandated background checks, vehicle inspections, and knowledge tests that exceed Uber's own requirements.
- Surge pricing applies to Uber Taxi the same way it does to UberX, so fares can increase during peak demand.
How to request an Uber Taxi through the app
Open the Uber app and look for the service options at the bottom of the screen. Tap the service selector — it usually shows "UberX" or your most recent choice — and scroll to find Uber Taxi. If Uber Taxi is not listed, it is not available in your area. Tap it to select it.
Enter your pickup location (the app usually defaults to your current location) and your destination. The app will show you the estimated fare and how many taxis are nearby. Tap "Request" to send your request to available drivers. A driver will accept within seconds to a few minutes, depending on how many taxis are in your area at that moment.
Once a driver accepts, you will see their name, photo, vehicle details, and license plate. The app shows their real-time location and estimated arrival time. You can contact the driver through the app's messaging or call feature if you need to give directions or let them know where to pick you up.
Pricing and payment for Uber Taxi rides
Uber Taxi fares are based on distance, time, and demand — the same formula as UberX. The app shows your estimated fare before you request, though the final amount may differ slightly depending on the actual route taken and traffic. During busy times, surge pricing increases fares, and you will see the multiplier (such as 1.5x or 2x) before you confirm your request.
Payment is processed through your Uber account. You can use a credit card, debit card, or other payment method linked to your account. Some cities allow Uber Taxi drivers to accept cash as well; the app will tell you whether cash is an option before you request. Tipping is optional and happens through the app after the ride ends, though you can also tip the driver in cash if you prefer.
Your receipt appears in the app when ready after the ride. It shows the pickup and dropoff locations, distance, time, base fare, time and distance charges, any surge multiplier applied, and the total amount paid. You can read or email the receipt for your records.
Where Uber Taxi is available
Uber Taxi is not available everywhere. It exists only in cities where local taxi companies have partnered with Uber or where city regulations require taxis to use ride-hailing platforms. Major cities with Uber Taxi service include New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC, but the list changes as more cities negotiate agreements or change their rules.
To find out whether Uber Taxi is available in your city, open the Uber app and try to select it from the service menu. If it does not appear, it is not currently offered in your area. You can also check Uber's website or contact Uber support to ask about availability in a specific city.
Even in cities where Uber Taxi is available, the number of taxis on the platform varies by time of day and neighborhood. Late at night or in less central areas, you may find fewer taxis available than UberX drivers, which can mean longer wait times or no available taxis at all.
Differences between Uber Taxi and UberX
| Feature | Uber Taxi | UberX |
|---|---|---|
| Driver type | Licensed taxi driver with medallion | Private driver with personal vehicle |
| Vehicle regulation | City taxi commission inspects and approves | Uber inspects; city rules vary |
| Insurance | Commercial taxi insurance required by law | Uber commercial insurance during ride |
| Background check | City-mandated, often more rigorous | Uber-conducted background check |
| Availability | Only in cities with taxi-Uber partnerships | Available in most cities Uber serves |
| Typical wait time | Varies; fewer drivers than UberX in many areas | Usually shorter wait times |
| Pricing | Same formula as UberX; surge pricing applies | Distance, time, and demand-based |
What happens if you have a problem with your Uber Taxi ride
If something goes wrong during your ride — the driver takes a wrong turn, charges you incorrectly, or you have a safety concern — you can report it through the Uber app. After the ride ends, open the trip details and tap "Report a Problem" or "Contact Support." Describe what happened and provide as much detail as you can.
Uber reviews reports and can refund part or all of your fare if the driver overcharged or took an unreasonable route. For safety concerns or driver behavior issues, Uber can deactivate the driver from the platform. Because Uber Taxi drivers are also licensed by the city, you can also file a complaint with your local taxi commission if you believe the driver violated city rules.
Keep your receipt and any messages you exchanged with the driver. If you need to dispute a charge on your payment method, your bank or credit card company will ask for proof of the transaction and what went wrong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request Uber Taxi in advance, or only right now?
You can schedule an Uber Taxi ride in advance using the Uber app's scheduled ride feature. Tap the clock icon when you are entering your destination, then choose the date and time you want to ride. The app will estimate your fare and reserve a driver for that time. Scheduled rides may have a small booking fee depending on your city.
What if no Uber Taxi drivers are available?
If no taxis are nearby, the app will show "No cars available" or a longer estimated wait time. You can either wait for a driver to become available, or switch to UberX or another Uber service if you need a ride when ready. Some cities have very few Uber Taxi drivers, especially outside rush hours or in neighborhoods far from downtown.
Do Uber Taxi drivers accept cash?
It depends on your city. Some cities require all Uber Taxi payments to go through the app, while others allow drivers to accept cash. The app will show you whether cash is an option before you request your ride. If you want to pay cash, look for that option in the payment settings before requesting.
Is Uber Taxi safer than UberX?
Both services have safety features: driver background checks, in-app communication, ride tracking, and emergency support. Uber Taxi drivers must also pass city-mandated background checks and vehicle inspections, which some people find reassuring. However, safety depends on many factors beyond the service type. Both are widely used in major cities without significant safety differences.
Why is Uber Taxi more expensive than UberX?
Uber Taxi is not always more expensive — fares depend on distance, time, and demand, not the service type. However, if surge pricing is active, both services cost more. In some cases, fewer Uber Taxi drivers available in your area might mean longer wait times, which could affect pricing. Compare the estimated fares for both services before you request to see which costs less for your trip.