By Taxi in Miami

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By Taxi

One cab "company" stands out above the rest. It's actually a consortium of drivers who have banded together to provide good service, in marked contrast to some Miami cabbies, who are rude, unhelpful, unfamiliar with the city, or dishonest, taking advantage of those who don't know the area. To plug into this consortium -- they don't have a name, simply a number -- call the dispatch service, although they can be hard to understand over the phone. If you have to use another company, try to be familiar with your route and destination. For information call the Metro-Dade Passenger Transportation Regulatory Service, also known as the Hack Bureau. It takes complaints and monitors all for-hire vehicles. Fares are set at $2.40 for the first [1//11] of a mile, and 40¢ for each additional [1//11] of a mile thereafter, with no additional charge for up to five passengers, luggage, and tolls. Taxis can be hailed on the street if you can find them, but it's better to call for a dispatch taxi or have a hotel doorman hail one for you. Some companies with dispatch service are Central Taxicab Service, Diamond Cab Company, Metro Taxicab Company, Miami-Dade Yellow Cab, Society Cab Company, Super Yellow Cab Company, Tropical Taxicab Company, and Yellow Cab Company. Many now accept credit cards; inquire when you call.

Contacts

Central Taxicab Service (305/532-5555). Diamond Cab Company (305/545-5555). Dispatch service (305/888-4444). Metro Taxicab Company (305/888-8888). Metro-Dade Passenger Transportation Regulatory Service (305/375-2460). Miami-Dade Yellow Cab (305/633-0503). Society Cab Company (305/757-5523). Super Yellow Cab Company (305/888-7777). Tropical Taxicab Company (305/945-1025). Yellow Cab Company (305/444-4444).