Uber Taxi connects you to licensed taxi drivers through the Uber app, not Uber's own drivers
Uber Taxi is a service within the Uber app that dispatches you to licensed, medallion-holding taxi drivers instead of Uber's standard rideshare drivers. When you request an Uber Taxi ride, you are calling a traditional taxi that happens to be booked through Uber's platform. The driver, vehicle, and insurance are all regulated under your city's taxi licensing rules, not Uber's private standards. Pricing, driver qualifications, and vehicle requirements follow local taxi commission rules, not Uber's surge pricing model.
Uber Taxi is not available in every city. It operates only where Uber has partnered with local taxi associations or where the city's taxi commission has approved the integration. In cities where it exists, you can toggle between Uber Taxi and other Uber options (UberX, Uber Comfort) directly in the app. The ride request works the same way — you enter your pickup and dropoff, see the fare estimate, and confirm — but the driver who accepts will be operating a licensed taxi medallion.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Taxi sends you a licensed, medallion-holding taxi driver, not an Uber employee or contractor, so taxi commission rules apply instead of Uber's policies.
- Availability depends on your city; Uber Taxi only operates where the local taxi commission or taxi association has agreed to the partnership.
- Pricing is set by your city's taxi commission and meter rates, not by Uber's surge pricing, so fares are more predictable than UberX during peak times.
- Drivers must meet taxi licensing requirements, including background checks, vehicle inspections, and insurance mandated by your city, which often exceed Uber's standards.
- You can switch between Uber Taxi and other Uber options in the app before you request, so you can compare availability and estimated fares.
Where Uber Taxi is available and how to find it
Uber Taxi operates in select cities, primarily in North America and Europe. In the United States, it is available in cities including New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Washington, D.C., but the list changes as Uber negotiates with local taxi commissions. The easiest way to know if it is available in your city is to open the Uber app, tap the category selector at the top (where it normally shows "UberX" or your default option), and look for a Taxi icon. If you do not see it, Uber Taxi is not currently operating in your area.
When you do see the Taxi option, tap it to switch your ride category before you enter your destination. The app will then show you estimated fares and wait times for Uber Taxi specifically. Some cities have Uber Taxi available only in certain zones or during certain hours — for example, some airports restrict Uber Taxi to specific pickup areas. Check the app's map view to confirm your pickup location is in a Taxi-may be able to access zone before you request.
How pricing works and why it differs from UberX
Uber Taxi fares are set by your city's taxi commission, not by Uber's algorithm. This means the price is based on a meter rate — usually a base fare, per-mile charge, and per-minute charge — that applies to all licensed taxis in your city, regardless of demand. During rush hour or bad weather, when UberX prices surge, Uber Taxi prices stay the same because they follow the meter, not demand-based pricing.
The trade-off is that Uber Taxi fares are often higher than UberX during off-peak times, because the meter rate is set to cover the costs of a fully licensed, insured taxi operation. You will see the estimated fare in the app before you request, calculated using your city's current meter rates. Some cities allow taxis to add surcharges for airport pickups, tolls, or late-night service — these will be disclosed in the app or on the receipt after your ride.
Driver requirements and vehicle standards
Uber Taxi drivers must hold a current taxi medallion or license issued by your city's taxi commission. This means they have passed a background check (usually more thorough than Uber's), passed a knowledge test about local streets and regulations, and renewed their license regularly — often every one to three years. They are also required to carry commercial taxi insurance, which covers passengers in ways that personal rideshare insurance may not.
The vehicle itself must pass your city's taxi inspection, which typically includes safety checks, emissions testing, and vehicle age limits. Many cities require taxis to be no older than a certain year (often 10 to 15 years old) and to meet specific interior and exterior standards. Wheelchair-accessible taxis are also part of the licensed fleet in most cities, and you can request one through the Uber app if you need it. Because these standards are set by the city, not by Uber, they vary significantly by location.
How to request and pay for an Uber Taxi ride
Open the Uber app and select Taxi from the ride category menu at the top. Enter your pickup location and destination, then tap "Request Taxi." The app will show you the estimated fare, pickup time, and driver details once a taxi accepts. You will see the driver's name, vehicle information, and license plate — the same information you would get from a traditional taxi dispatch, but through the app.
Payment works the same way as other Uber rides: you can pay with a credit card, debit card, or Uber Cash linked to your account. You can also request to pay cash, though this depends on whether the individual taxi driver accepts it — check the app or ask the driver when they arrive. Receipts are sent to your email and appear in your Uber app history. Tipping is optional and can be added in the app after the ride or in cash to the driver.
Differences between Uber Taxi and other Uber ride types
| Feature | Uber Taxi | UberX | Uber Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver type | Licensed taxi medallion holder | Uber contractor | Uber contractor |
| Pricing model | City meter rates (fixed) | Demand-based surge pricing | Demand-based surge pricing |
| Insurance | Commercial taxi insurance | Uber's commercial policy | Uber's commercial policy |
| Vehicle age limit | Set by city (usually 10–15 years) | Usually 15 years or newer | Usually 10 years or newer |
| Background check | City-mandated, often more thorough | Uber-conducted | Uber-conducted |
| Availability | Select cities only | Most cities where Uber operates | Most cities where Uber operates |
Uber Taxi is most useful when you want predictable pricing and prefer a driver with a city-issued license. UberX is usually cheaper during off-peak times and available in more cities. Uber Comfort offers newer vehicles and higher driver standards than UberX but still uses surge pricing. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize fixed fares, vehicle condition, or availability.
What to do if you have a problem with an Uber Taxi ride
If you have an issue during or after your Uber Taxi ride — a safety concern, a billing error, or a lost item — report it through the Uber app the same way you would for any other ride. Tap the trip in your app history, select "Help," and describe the problem. Uber will investigate and may issue a refund or credit to your account.
Because Uber Taxi drivers are licensed by your city, you also have the option to file a complaint directly with your city's taxi commission. Most commissions have a website where you can report driver misconduct, overcharging, or safety violations. The taxi commission can investigate independently of Uber and may take action against the driver's license if they find a violation. Having both Uber and the city commission as avenues for complaint gives you more recourse than you have with standard Uber rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Uber Taxi safer than UberX?
Uber Taxi drivers undergo city-mandated background checks and licensing, which are often more rigorous than Uber's screening. However, both services use commercial insurance and have safety features in the app. Safety depends more on individual driver behavior than on the service type. If you have specific safety concerns, you can call a traditional taxi dispatch instead of using the app.
Can I schedule an Uber Taxi ride in advance?
Uber allows you to schedule Uber Taxi rides up to 30 days ahead through the app. Tap "Schedule" instead of "Request" when you enter your destination. The driver will be assigned closer to your pickup time, and you will receive a notification. Scheduled rides still use meter-based pricing, not surge pricing.
What happens if no Uber Taxi drivers are available?
If no taxis are nearby, the app will show a longer wait time or may suggest switching to UberX. You can wait for a taxi to become available, or you can change your ride category and request UberX instead. There is no penalty for switching — you simply cancel the Taxi request and start a new one.
Do Uber Taxi drivers have to take me anywhere in the city?
Licensed taxi drivers are required by law to accept rides within their city's service area and cannot refuse based on destination. However, some cities allow taxis to decline rides outside the city limits or to certain neighborhoods late at night. If a driver refuses, report it to both Uber and your city's taxi commission.
Can I get a receipt for an Uber Taxi ride?
Yes. Uber sends a digital receipt to your email and stores it in your app history. You can also ask the driver for a paper receipt, which they are required to provide under taxi commission rules. The receipt shows the fare, meter charges, and any surcharges applied.