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Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Hailing a Cab, in Times Square

Hailing a cab, Times Square
Photo by myself around 39th Street and Seventh Avenue.

Oh what a familiar sight.

For non-New Yorkers, please note that the light at the top of the oncoming cab is not lit up This means the cab is not available - it already has passengers, or the cab driver is on break.

The cab is also unavailable when sides of the light are on. Tiny words will appear, saying 'Off Duty'. Only when the number of the cab is lit, in the middle of the light, is it available for hire.

The best way to get a cab is to stand at a street corner, near heavily trafficked street. This can be tricky when you're on a quiet street in the Village. On rainy days and during rush hour (8:00-9:30 am, 5:00-7:30pm), it's a bit harder to find a cab.

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By the way, if there's ever a time to visit Times Square, it's around dusk.

It's a magical time - the sky is an electric shade of blue, growing steadily darker. Headlights switch on, and all the towering signs are eye-poppingly bright.

Taxi!, Columbus Circle at Dusk and Fixing Flats in the Streets.

9 comments:

Olivier said...

une photo traditionnelle de NYC, belle photo de fin de soirée

Louis la Vache said...

grrrrrrrrr.......
The last time «Louis» was in New York, it seemed ALL the cabs had their lights out...He's never been in a city with so many taxis - and so difficult to get one!

Pat said...

With my NY friend I took a Manhattan/Brooklyn by night bus tour. It was FABULOUS! I usually avoid touristy things, but I would highly recommend this tour. Even my NY friend loved it.

And it started at dusk in Manhattan...

melly said...

You're so right about Time Square looking its best at dusk. I was there marveling at the lights and dazzle from late afternoon till nightfall and dusk was my favourite.

Kitty said...

Thanks Olivier
Yes I agree, it's a familiar sight here.

Ha Louis
It really depends on the weather and time of day if you can get a cab. Rush hour and rainy periods are the worst.

Hi Bibi
Your tour sounds wonderful. I think the bus tours are neat because they offer a very different vantage point.

So often when you're walking at street level, you forget that there is a second floor to things, and you're caught up with whatever is immediately ahead of you. On the bus, you can see so much more.

Hi Melly
I'm glad you got to visit Times Square during the best hour. It's a fun space.

Washington said...

Hi Kitty! You bet we won't miss the dusk hour at Times Square. By the way, is it easy to get a cab anywhere in NYC?

Anonymous said...

Nice look at the city after dark.

Unknown said...

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Fredrik said...

A classic!