Let’s face facts, the TA and the Cab Owners could careless if a local taxi market existed or not. They could careless if you get service and really don’t care if you miss your flight.

These people have a Monopoly on the Las Vegas Taxi Market and do not value the millions of dollars Locals could be providing to the overall industry and economy.

So with that said, here is how, as a local you can work the system to your advantage.

If you must depend on a Cab regularly, get a regular driver and treat him or her well. Understand it is rarely worth a drivers time to service you using the traditional payment schemes designed for the strip. You will save $$$ and the driver will be happier if you honor creativity. The system is gamed to make areas beyond the Strip disappear in the minds of the Tourist. The Casinos do many things, including making taxis very expensive so as to keep the Rubes in their Hotels.

Now once you have a regular driver always call them an hour in advance or sooner when you need service. We never know where we are going to be and if unavailable, we probably will be able to arrange for one of our friends to pick you up.

If you use a Cab once in awhile, say…to go to the airport, or a night of partying …call the cab company (not a regular driver) at least 2 hours in advance on busy nights (Fri-Sat), and be prepared to leave at once or pay for a waiting cab’s meter if the Cabbie arrives earlier. This is not a big-deal, figure $3 for 10 minutes of wait time. At no time expect anything less than at least an hour wait for cab service. If you get quicker response, tip the driver good because he or she IS doing their job and cares about you.

If you live on the West side of I-15, always call A-Cab at 369-5686 , as their cabs are restricted to the Westside and you WILL get picked up eventually. With other companies many times you will NEVER get a cab. If you live in Henderson-Seven Hills-Boulder, call Deluxe cab…568-7700 Deluxe, like A-Cab operates a restricted fleet, this time the Henderson area.

You should always quiz your driver as to the route they think best and if they know where to go. Do this nicely and not in an offensive manner as if to suggest the driver is a crook. Never assume these drivers know where they are going, many do not.

If you are elderly, use the State Issued Taxi Coupons, i.e. granny dollars, they will save you half out of pocket for cab fare. For more info on the Program and how to obtain these coupons go here…Senior Ride Share Coupons

For more info about using Taxicabs in Las Vegas…here is the Taxicab Authority’s (TA) website address…Taxicab Authority