Las Vegas Taxis
January 31st, 2011 at 5:19:12 AM
permalink
I was reading an interesting article in the Las Vegas Sun today.
The article basically states that Taxi Drivers are saying that they are only long hauling as the have quotas to meet. Is the quotas for drivers system standard throughout the US?
As some of you know I was screwed by a taxi driver last year even though I should have known better, so I am still quite interested in the whole thing. I was one of the people that didnt report it. I should have, but I blame the 12 hour flight, and being awake for 18 hours.
The article basically states that Taxi Drivers are saying that they are only long hauling as the have quotas to meet. Is the quotas for drivers system standard throughout the US?
As some of you know I was screwed by a taxi driver last year even though I should have known better, so I am still quite interested in the whole thing. I was one of the people that didnt report it. I should have, but I blame the 12 hour flight, and being awake for 18 hours.
[This space is intentionally left blank]
January 31st, 2011 at 5:28:04 AM
permalink
Take the monorail or rent a car.
January 31st, 2011 at 5:28:34 AM
permalink
Quote: CroupierI was reading an interesting article in the Las Vegas Sun today.
The article basically states that Taxi Drivers are saying that they are only long hauling as the have quotas to meet. Is the quotas for drivers system standard throughout the US?
As some of you know I was screwed by a taxi driver last year even though I should have known better, so I am still quite interested in the whole thing. I was one of the people that didnt report it. I should have, but I blame the 12 hour flight, and being awake for 18 hours.
Not a suprise, any driving job like that is rough. I was a courrier once and can sympathize with them. Short trips kill you. What I don't get is why they would be againsgt the $20 flat-rate to any strip casino?
All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others
January 31st, 2011 at 5:30:29 AM
permalink
Quote: AZDuffman
Not a suprise, any driving job like that is rough. I was a courrier once and can sympathize with them. Short trips kill you. What I don't get is why they would be againsgt the $20 flat-rate to any strip casino?
Me either. I would happily pay that airport to strip. Probably because $20 is half of the $40 they get by long hauling.
[This space is intentionally left blank]
January 31st, 2011 at 7:34:54 AM
permalink
My Vegas routine is quite set. I take the shuttle from the airport to the hotel. This is cheap ($12-$13 round trip), but there are three drawbacks:
1) If your hotel is off-strip or far north on-Strip, you'll be delivered last.
2) You have to wait for room in a shuttle, often watching one or two depart before it's your turn (all this at terminal 2 BTW)
3) The pickup time is imposed on you by the shuttle company. They do ask when your flight leaves, so you can lie and state a later time.
The rest of the time I move about by bus. First time out I tried the monorail. It's nice enough, very quiet and clean, and not crowded. But the walk to the stations is quite long, sometimes through deserted places, and is only good on the Strip. It's great if you need to visit the convention center, though, from what other have posted here. And it's more expensive than the bus. I also take advantage of complimentary shuttle service to places like Rio.
Now, this works well for me for two reasons. I travel alone and am on the patient side. This might work out well for two people, if they're patient; there's also a lot of waiting fro the bus. But for three or more, cabs can be cheaper if the fee's divided by person, or they alternate paying it. Even renting a car can be cheaper.
1) If your hotel is off-strip or far north on-Strip, you'll be delivered last.
2) You have to wait for room in a shuttle, often watching one or two depart before it's your turn (all this at terminal 2 BTW)
3) The pickup time is imposed on you by the shuttle company. They do ask when your flight leaves, so you can lie and state a later time.
The rest of the time I move about by bus. First time out I tried the monorail. It's nice enough, very quiet and clean, and not crowded. But the walk to the stations is quite long, sometimes through deserted places, and is only good on the Strip. It's great if you need to visit the convention center, though, from what other have posted here. And it's more expensive than the bus. I also take advantage of complimentary shuttle service to places like Rio.
Now, this works well for me for two reasons. I travel alone and am on the patient side. This might work out well for two people, if they're patient; there's also a lot of waiting fro the bus. But for three or more, cabs can be cheaper if the fee's divided by person, or they alternate paying it. Even renting a car can be cheaper.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
January 31st, 2011 at 8:19:01 AM
permalink
The taxicab company can assign a driver to non-airport qualified taxi... this is the ultimate punishment for his turning in a trip sheet that shows he is not longhauling.
Sometimes I don't blame a driver... he is at the front of the line at one casino and he doesn't want to deliver a woman to the next door casino, he wants a longer trip in return for his having waited. He doesn't want a woman who is afraid to walk a few hundred feet at night. He wants a more substantial fare. However, I do think he should be required to obey the rules.
I've seen one guy in Vegas photographing Long Haulers... don't think anything ever happens to their hack licenses though.
Sometimes I don't blame a driver... he is at the front of the line at one casino and he doesn't want to deliver a woman to the next door casino, he wants a longer trip in return for his having waited. He doesn't want a woman who is afraid to walk a few hundred feet at night. He wants a more substantial fare. However, I do think he should be required to obey the rules.
I've seen one guy in Vegas photographing Long Haulers... don't think anything ever happens to their hack licenses though.
January 31st, 2011 at 8:45:59 AM
permalink
Quote: Nareed
The rest of the time I move about by bus. First time out I tried the monorail. It's nice enough, very quiet and clean, and not crowded. But the walk to the stations is quite long, sometimes through deserted places, and is only good on the Strip. It's great if you need to visit the convention center, though, from what other have posted here. And it's more expensive than the bus. I also take advantage of complimentary shuttle service to places like Rio.
I am one of the few people (it seems) that actually likes the monorail. Yes, the walks can be tiresome, but at places like the Flamingo and IP/Harrahs stations I have seen security guards at night, and the MGM and Hilton stops are attached to the Hotels. I find it quicker than the bus, even with walking and is often more comfortable.
For Downtown I always take the Deuce, as I dont mind sightseeing.
But back on the subject of Taxis, IMHO the long hauling situation seems to have gotten worse. In my first trip in 2007, I remember getting a taxi for most distance runs. I remember the drivers being nice and earning their tip.
Last year most of my Taxi Drivers were non Americans, far more surly and in no way compared to the drivers I had first time. Could this be a result of the economic slowdown?
[This space is intentionally left blank]
January 31st, 2011 at 9:34:24 AM
permalink
Quote: CroupierI am one of the few people (it seems) that actually likes the monorail. Yes, the walks can be tiresome, but at places like the Flamingo and IP/Harrahs stations I have seen security guards at night, and the MGM and Hilton stops are attached to the Hotels. I find it quicker than the bus, even with walking and is often more comfortable.
First trip I chronicled how much walking I did to and from monorail stations. At the Hilton the train pretty much leaves you at the casino. At the MGM the station is actually on the back of the hotel, so the walk to the casino, shops or restaurants is still long. At the Sahara they also have security at the entrance to the station.
But I'll tell you my problem. I did not go as far as TI or the Fashion Show Mall, ebcause if I had I would have had to walk back, then again walk to the monorail station. By then I figured I woudl return the following year, and first trips to Vegas can be overwhelming (it was for me, dazzling, too). SO it was ok to miss stuff, because I'd catch it next time. But overall I prefer the Deuce and whatever the other Strip bus is called this week.
Oh, I would take the monorail if I were in a hurry to go from Downtown to the MGM. But even then I wonder if the walk to and from the stations at Sahara and MGM wouldn't take lnger thana good Strip traffic jam.
About taxis, I've taken two: a round trip from Sahara to the Outlet Mall up north. I think I paid $18 or so overall, but I wouldn't swear to it. As best I could tell neither cabby took the long way round.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
January 31st, 2011 at 11:06:19 AM
permalink
Quote: CroupierThe article basically states that Taxi Drivers are saying that they are only long hauling as the have quotas to meet. Is the quotas for drivers system standard throughout the US?
Crap like this is why I go to Reno.
I understand if you call the LV Taxicab Authority while you are in the cab or at your destination, you will generally get a reduction in the fare, either because you've started a formal complaint or because the cabbie doesn't want the hassle. Sounds like the cabbies deal with the 5% of complainers as a cost of doing business, and don't really get penalized other than the difference in fare.
I know the system with leased cabs in Chicago is you pay a set rate per shift, and keep everything you make. I think this includes gas, or at worst you have to fill it back up at the same level as you got it at. Pretty simple and there's no quota, just eat what you kill. As I recall, one round trip between O'Hare and downtown just about covers the cost, and it's possible to do four or five roundtrips per shift. Any city cab can go to ORD or MDW but the waiting time at the airport can be long.
In some cities cabbies can receive some sort of "front of the line" pass if they're back at the airport within, say 30 minutes or so, meaning they had a short fare from the airport.
January 31st, 2011 at 12:21:21 PM
permalink
If the LV taxi authority really wanted to solve this problem they could do what NYC's Taxi authority does. As you que in the cab line at any of the major airports a person asks you where you are going. Their handheld prints out a slip w the expected cost and time frame. It tells you if the amount is significantly different to contact them with the code you have on your ticket.
Cabs in LV have never been an issue. I as most Goodly Americans must have a car at my disposal 24/7. :)
Cabs in LV have never been an issue. I as most Goodly Americans must have a car at my disposal 24/7. :)
I have a bewitched egg that I use to play VP with and I have net over 900k with it.
January 31st, 2011 at 1:19:11 PM
permalink
At least they're not as bad as Tijuana! I had an "amigo" try to convice me that a 5,000 ps bill was only worth 50 cents, and I need a bunch of em to make a decent tip. He said... "Senior, why don't you get rid of them right here, right now. Its good for you, it's good for me..."
The difference between zero and the smallest possible number? It doesn't matter; once you cross that edge, it might as well be the difference between zero and 1.
The difference between infinity and reality? They are mutually exclusive.
January 31st, 2011 at 1:40:16 PM
permalink
In Vegas cabbies usually get only a percentage of their fares. Drivers who fail to long haul are not necessarily penalized for it, they are penalized for the short trips and low fares on the tally sheet, so in effect it becomes long haul a customer or get penalized by the cab company.
Merely saying "I've got the taxicab commission on speed dial" while shaking your cell phone at them is said to get you a price reduction. The anything below 12 mph is Waiting Time can lead to people thinking they are being overcharged.
Merely saying "I've got the taxicab commission on speed dial" while shaking your cell phone at them is said to get you a price reduction. The anything below 12 mph is Waiting Time can lead to people thinking they are being overcharged.
January 31st, 2011 at 2:05:15 PM
permalink
Quote: Wavy70If the LV taxi authority really wanted to solve this problem they could do what NYC's Taxi authority does. As you que in the cab line at any of the major airports a person asks you where you are going. Their handheld prints out a slip w the expected cost and time frame. It tells you if the amount is significantly different to contact them with the code you have on your ticket.
In Mexico all airport and bus terminal cabs are paid for in advance, with a set fee depending on where you're going. If you have to pass toll booths, these are extra. it works out pretty well, but the cabs are on the expensive side. For example, from my house to the airport I pay about US$14. From the airport to the house I pay about $22
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
January 31st, 2011 at 3:05:02 PM
permalink
I went to LV five times in 2010. airport to strip i never paid over $15.00 Drivers were all very nice.
January 31st, 2011 at 4:01:13 PM
permalink
Our last trip to Vegas four of us got in the cab, and I was in the front with the driver. I said Paris Hotel, while we all chatted about how much fun we were going to have with the four of us in Vegas again. The cabbie then chimed in with "Do you want me to take the expressway to Paris, or surface streets?" (The expressway sounds like the right answer, but it of course is the long expensive way). I replied to take the surface streets, and , also please keep us off LV Blvd. We did not need to get stuck in that traffic jam. The cabbie took a direct route just as I requested, and he received a good tip because of the route used.
Set the price of cab fare from the airport to Paris at $25, tip included, and see what routes all the cabs start using....... A visitor should not be required to know the city map to understand when a taxi route may not be the fastest route.
Set the price of cab fare from the airport to Paris at $25, tip included, and see what routes all the cabs start using....... A visitor should not be required to know the city map to understand when a taxi route may not be the fastest route.
Always borrow money from a pessimist; They don't expect to get paid back !
Be yourself and speak your thoughts. Those who matter won't mind, and those that mind, don't matter!
January 31st, 2011 at 4:30:13 PM
permalink
Quote: jeplerI went to LV five times in 2010. airport to strip i never paid over $15.00 Drivers were all very nice.[/q
]
Best cabbies in the country?
January 31st, 2011 at 6:07:05 PM
permalink
I agree on the flat rate to the strip for all trips. I would set it at $17 and let the drivers get a $3 tip as most will give the drivers a $20. That would take away the long hauling. In Connecticut all intercity rates are set. Airport to Hartford is $36. Hartford to Mohegan Sun is $114.
I would also charge a minimum fare for inter-strip travel (hotel to hotel) at $7 and charge a per passenger fee of $1 beyond the first passenger (Washington, DC, charges $1.50/passenger over 2 pax). So, if the four of you want to take a cab from the Excalibur to the Mandalay Bay (yes, you can walk it all indoors), it will cost you $10. A ripoff? Absolutely. But given the fact that cabbies have to do pickups at Casinos and spend a great deal of time waiting, why not?
I would also charge a minimum fare for inter-strip travel (hotel to hotel) at $7 and charge a per passenger fee of $1 beyond the first passenger (Washington, DC, charges $1.50/passenger over 2 pax). So, if the four of you want to take a cab from the Excalibur to the Mandalay Bay (yes, you can walk it all indoors), it will cost you $10. A ripoff? Absolutely. But given the fact that cabbies have to do pickups at Casinos and spend a great deal of time waiting, why not?
-----
You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
January 31st, 2011 at 6:26:00 PM
permalink
I owned a small cab co 25 years ago and drove a lot to. The whole thing about cab driving is to keep moving all the time. It doesn't matter where the fare is going, as long as you always have somebody in the cab. Deadheading is to be avoided at all costs. The Vegas drivers don't lease the cab, like they do everywhere else. They keep 40% of the fare, so no matter what happens, they always make money. When you lease the cab for a shift, you pay a set operating fee, plus mileage, so if you have a bad night it can actually cost you money and you make nothing.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
January 31st, 2011 at 6:54:35 PM
permalink
I don't have much experience with cabs due to living in a city that doesn't have many (St. Louis), or going on vacations and renting cars instead of using cabs. However, about 8-10 years ago the wife & I visited Puerto Villarta and used the cabs there to get around. They had zone pricing with flat prices posted. it was very convenient. Every time we went from our resort to the city center, it was 27 pesos. We could tell in advance that the trip from the resort to the airport was 45 pesos, etc. It was nice not wondering if I was getting ripped off.
Personally, I liked the Monorail, But I can see that it's not convenient for anyone on the west side of the Strip, or for downtown visitors, or those unable to walk to the stations.
The only time i took a cab on my last LV visit was between Harrah's & the Spearmint Rhino. It seemed a little pricey ($12-15) for how short the ride appeared to be, but maybe that's just my inner tightwad coming out.
Personally, I liked the Monorail, But I can see that it's not convenient for anyone on the west side of the Strip, or for downtown visitors, or those unable to walk to the stations.
The only time i took a cab on my last LV visit was between Harrah's & the Spearmint Rhino. It seemed a little pricey ($12-15) for how short the ride appeared to be, but maybe that's just my inner tightwad coming out.
"Bite my Glorious Golden Ass!" - Bender Bending Rodriguez
January 31st, 2011 at 9:01:19 PM
permalink
My memories were triggered by this taxi thread and the simultaneous thread about the unrest in Egypt. My experiences there were almost 30 years ago, but there might be some relevance.
In Cairo in the early 80s, taxi fares were tightly regulated by the government, and the allowed fares were too low to cover the cost of operating the taxi. The intent was to encourage low-cost transportation and promote the business economy, but it didn't work out that way. The actual result was that every taxi in the city had a "broken" meter. In practice, all fares were established by negotiation for the trip, allegedly based on what the fare for the trip would have been if the meter worked. If you didn't negotiate the fare when you got into the taxi, you were pretty much stuck with paying what the driver demanded (claimed was correct) at the end of the ride.
One evening, I got into a taxi van with several of my colleagues. We negotiated an acceptable fare for our ride, then we asked the driver to let the meter run while we rode. He did, and it worked just fine. The metered rate was substantially below the negotiated fare, and it was clear to us why the drivers could not afford to operate within the letter of the regulations.
That was just one of many problems with a tightly regulated economy that existed there. Two others I remember were related to employment. Example #1 was that in order to encourage the population to seek greater education, every college graduate was guaranteed a job with a guaranteed salary. The result was that everyone who could possibly go to college did so, and the great majority followed the very easiest curricula. This led to an over supply of graduates with degrees in fields with almost no demand and little to no value to the national economy. Because of the guaranteed job, there were enormous numbers of college graduates hanging around as bellhops, messengers, whatever, not using any of their education but drawing the government-guaranteed salary.
Example #2 applied to those individuals who had the motivation and ability to complete a rigorous curriculum, such as engineering or medicine. As graduates, they encountered a controlled economy in which the authorized pay for their category of services was pitifully low for their skills. As a result, few if anyone held a job as an "engineer", particularly for the government agencies. They held positions as "consultants", for which the salary could be individually negotiated (similar to the taxi fares). Position vacancies for "engineers" had no qualified applicants.
The two times that I had experience in Egypt were late in the Sadat era and very early in Mubarak's. Much could have changed since then, but if not, I can understand some of the pent-up frustration, even without issues such as "dictatorship".
In Cairo in the early 80s, taxi fares were tightly regulated by the government, and the allowed fares were too low to cover the cost of operating the taxi. The intent was to encourage low-cost transportation and promote the business economy, but it didn't work out that way. The actual result was that every taxi in the city had a "broken" meter. In practice, all fares were established by negotiation for the trip, allegedly based on what the fare for the trip would have been if the meter worked. If you didn't negotiate the fare when you got into the taxi, you were pretty much stuck with paying what the driver demanded (claimed was correct) at the end of the ride.
One evening, I got into a taxi van with several of my colleagues. We negotiated an acceptable fare for our ride, then we asked the driver to let the meter run while we rode. He did, and it worked just fine. The metered rate was substantially below the negotiated fare, and it was clear to us why the drivers could not afford to operate within the letter of the regulations.
That was just one of many problems with a tightly regulated economy that existed there. Two others I remember were related to employment. Example #1 was that in order to encourage the population to seek greater education, every college graduate was guaranteed a job with a guaranteed salary. The result was that everyone who could possibly go to college did so, and the great majority followed the very easiest curricula. This led to an over supply of graduates with degrees in fields with almost no demand and little to no value to the national economy. Because of the guaranteed job, there were enormous numbers of college graduates hanging around as bellhops, messengers, whatever, not using any of their education but drawing the government-guaranteed salary.
Example #2 applied to those individuals who had the motivation and ability to complete a rigorous curriculum, such as engineering or medicine. As graduates, they encountered a controlled economy in which the authorized pay for their category of services was pitifully low for their skills. As a result, few if anyone held a job as an "engineer", particularly for the government agencies. They held positions as "consultants", for which the salary could be individually negotiated (similar to the taxi fares). Position vacancies for "engineers" had no qualified applicants.
The two times that I had experience in Egypt were late in the Sadat era and very early in Mubarak's. Much could have changed since then, but if not, I can understand some of the pent-up frustration, even without issues such as "dictatorship".
February 13th, 2013 at 2:34:00 PM
permalink
I think this needs to happen in Las Vegas. Take That, Cabbie: Seoul Offers Rewards for Ripped-Off Riders
February 13th, 2013 at 2:46:28 PM
permalink
Quote: Toes14It seemed a little pricey ($12-15) for how short the ride appeared to be, but maybe that's just my inner tightwad coming out.
Taxi's have been expensive since their inception. They're
the opposite of public transport. Its a private ride just for
you. Its right there right now and takes you right to the front
door of where you're going. It should be expensive.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
February 13th, 2013 at 3:07:22 PM
permalink
It is quite interesting that cabs in Vegas are expensive, while rental cars are dirt cheap. You can rent a car for less than $25 a day, and that includes all the silly fees. Every destination in vegas seems to have free parking, and it is a pretty easy city and area to navigate. The only reason to use a cab is alcohol or drug related....
February 13th, 2013 at 3:19:03 PM
permalink
I don't mind the price its that the cabs in Vegas find some creative routes to get you somewhere because of greed there are too many cabs and everyone is trying to make $$$
February 13th, 2013 at 3:22:18 PM
permalink
Quote: SOOPOOIt is quite interesting that cabs in Vegas are expensive, while rental cars are dirt cheap. You can rent a car for less than $25 a day, and that includes all the silly fees. Every destination in vegas seems to have free parking, and it is a pretty easy city and area to navigate. The only reason to use a cab is alcohol or drug related....
Hmmm, I may look in to renting a car for my next trip. I've only done it when I'm in Vegas with a group of Ultimate players so we can drive out to the fields. On a solo trip, I just cab it to the airport and back...but considering I will be making a couple trips downtown, I may consider it. It would also open up a trip to some of the more-remote local casinos. And you're right, it's pretty cheap.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
February 13th, 2013 at 3:46:55 PM
permalink
About a year ago, I was staying at the Mirage, and the cabbie took me on the freeway (airport -----> mirage).
I told him "This is bullshit." And gave him a choice- I will call your manager and tell him what you are doing,
or you can take $18 when we get to the Mirage. He took the $18 (fare was $40+).
I rarely take cabs anymore. I use the city bus. The WAX from the airport to downtown is $2. From baggage claim
area, look for ZERO LEVEL and follow the signs to find the bus stop.
I told him "This is bullshit." And gave him a choice- I will call your manager and tell him what you are doing,
or you can take $18 when we get to the Mirage. He took the $18 (fare was $40+).
I rarely take cabs anymore. I use the city bus. The WAX from the airport to downtown is $2. From baggage claim
area, look for ZERO LEVEL and follow the signs to find the bus stop.
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
February 13th, 2013 at 3:49:50 PM
permalink
Or related to "female companionship", as I understand hookers have no desire to be driving their own vehicles and often need speedier getaways after a robbery.Quote: SOOPOOThe only reason to use a cab is alcohol or drug related....
Of course sometimes the only reason a hotel room is being used is to avoid a DUI, since a room can be cheap and a DUI so expensive.
February 13th, 2013 at 4:09:39 PM
permalink
Quote: AcesAndEightsOn a solo trip, I just cab it to the airport and back...
I take a shuttle. It's $13 roundtrip Downtown.
Quote:but considering I will be making a couple trips downtown, I may consider it. It would also open up a trip to some of the more-remote local casinos. And you're right, it's pretty cheap.
For Downtown alone, the Strip and Downtown Express bus is good enough at most times (don't take the Deuce to/from Downtown). But if you're set on the more remote joints, then a car is a lot more convenient.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 13th, 2013 at 4:13:31 PM
permalink
I never take a cab from the airport. Every time I book a trip I also purchase round trip shuttle for 14 bucks.
February 13th, 2013 at 4:13:40 PM
permalink
I would hate driving a cab in Vegas because of
the traffic. A cab driver is looking for as many
fares a day as possible, not longer fares. The
money is in the volume, and being stuck in traffic
cuts down on that.
the traffic. A cab driver is looking for as many
fares a day as possible, not longer fares. The
money is in the volume, and being stuck in traffic
cuts down on that.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
February 14th, 2013 at 9:43:48 AM
permalink
Quote: NareedI take a shuttle. It's $13 roundtrip Downtown.
Quote: rainmanI never take a cab from the airport. Every time I book a trip I also purchase round trip shuttle for 14 bucks.
What company do you guys purchase these trips from?
Quote: NareedFor Downtown alone, the Strip and Downtown Express bus is good enough at most times (don't take the Deuce to/from Downtown). But if you're set on the more remote joints, then a car is a lot more convenient.
Yeah, I should be more frugal. I just looked up some rental car prices and it's more than I want to pay. On my last trip I literally only had 48 hours on the ground, so I didn't want to spend the additional time required to take the bus. This trip I will try to plan it out so that I can.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
February 14th, 2013 at 10:51:03 AM
permalink
Quote: AcesAndEightsWhat company do you guys purchase these trips from?
I either buy my trips directly from the hotel and airline, or the combo with the airline. But in '08 I got the hotel through Expedia, and it had options for the airport shuttle.
If not, you can easily buy a shuttle ticket at the airport, either round trip or one way. I did that in subsequent trips.
Quote:Yeah, I should be more frugal. I just looked up some rental car prices and it's more than I want to pay. On my last trip I literally only had 48 hours on the ground, so I didn't want to spend the additional time required to take the bus. This trip I will try to plan it out so that I can.
Every trip I think about renting a car, perhaps only for a few days, but I balk in the end. It's not so much the rental fees, but the insurance. So I've learned over time to use the bus system (I wouldn't be caught dead taking street public transportation in Mexico City, BTW).
For the Strip and Downtown it works well enough. The drawback is that it keeps mostly to streets with heavy traffic and plenty of traffic lights. IMO a bus that would depart from, say, Caesars or MGM and would take you Downtown vis the freeway without any intermediate stops, would be great. Whether it would be economically feasible is another matter...
Going off-Strip is a bit more time-consuming. The buses just don't show up so often. So you wind up waiting, sometimes a long time. Even so I made the trip to Palace Station twice.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
February 14th, 2013 at 11:36:32 AM
permalink
A taxi to the strip from the airport is about 20-21 dollars with tip, which I think is reasonable.
February 14th, 2013 at 1:06:09 PM
permalink
I like the Vegas taxi system. One trick I use is tell them I have only x amount of dollars and whatever is leftover from the fare they can have for tip.
However, when flying in, I arrange limo pickup with the hotel I am staying at. I hate standing in the taxi line!
However, when flying in, I arrange limo pickup with the hotel I am staying at. I hate standing in the taxi line!
Bang Biscuit!
February 14th, 2013 at 4:09:03 PM
permalink
Since the meters run, based on time, distance and speed (you get charged whenever the speed falls below 8 mph); I save money by simply plotting the route out on my smartphone, using Google maps, and essentially TELL the driver the exact route I want them to take, using as many side roads as possible.
February 14th, 2013 at 4:11:50 PM
permalink
Here the cost is 1,44 per kilometer and 0,50 per minute if not moving. The starting fee is 7,70-8,80. How about LV, or US in general?
February 14th, 2013 at 4:20:43 PM
permalink
Quote: GHSince the meters run, based on time, distance and speed
Passengers are real funny about the meter. Sometimes
its cheaper and faster to take the freeway, but you'll
never convince some passengers of that. The faster
you go the faster the meter moves. I've had passengers
writhing in pain in the back seat and moaning as the
meter goes up and up. When I explain the price would
be the same going the long way, they never ever believe
you. Needless to say, these aren't people with higher
educations, and by that I mean high school..
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
February 14th, 2013 at 4:28:37 PM
permalink
Quote: EvenBobPassengers are real funny about the meter. Sometimes
its cheaper and faster to take the freeway, but you'll
never convince some passengers of that.
http://www.lvcabs.com/taxi_cab_fares/index.html
Quote: FriasWhen you get into a taxicab, the driver will start the taximeter and an initial charge of $3.30 will register. This charge is referred to as the drop. If a taxi ride originates at any McCarran Airport property, an additional airport surcharge of $1.80 per trip is added to the taximeter.
After the initial drop, the taximeter will assess a fare of $2.60 per mile. That is 20 cents for each 1/13th of a mile traveled. If the taximeter senses that the taxicab is moving at a rate less then 8-12 MPH, the taximeter will assess a charge of 20 cents every 24 seconds, which comes to $30.00 per hour for waiting time. That is why the taximeter continues to accumulate charges even when the taxicab is not moving. Once the taximeter senses the taxicab is moving at a rate of greater than 8-12 MPH the fare calculates on the actual distance traveled.
February 14th, 2013 at 4:45:04 PM
permalink
Can you call 911 and file kidnapping charges while getting long-hauled against your will?
February 14th, 2013 at 4:47:40 PM
permalink
There isn't a driver anywhere that wants to sit still
and make money, even at $30 an hour. You have
to make a hell of a lot more than 30 an hour to
make a good profit. In most places you have to pay
for your own gas and rent the cab from the cab co.
And if you don't, the leasing fee isn't cheap. If its
a slow day you could easily lose money cause the
cab co always gets paid even if you don't make
your op's.
and make money, even at $30 an hour. You have
to make a hell of a lot more than 30 an hour to
make a good profit. In most places you have to pay
for your own gas and rent the cab from the cab co.
And if you don't, the leasing fee isn't cheap. If its
a slow day you could easily lose money cause the
cab co always gets paid even if you don't make
your op's.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
February 14th, 2013 at 7:38:31 PM
permalink
Quote: Fuengirola2Here the cost is 1,44 per kilometer and 0,50 per minute if not moving. The starting fee is 7,70-8,80. How about LV, or US in general?
Transportation costs in Europe are always dramatically higher than in the USA. Your "starting fee" in particular is over three times as much. Your moving fees are 20% to 33% higher. Putting rates at US dollars and miles for easy comparison:
Fuengirola2 Taxi Rates
Initial activation of taximeter $ 10.36-$11.84
Each additional 1/13th mile ($3.12 per mile ) $0.24
Waiting time per hour $40.00
Vegas Taxi Rates
Initial activation of taximeter $ 3.30
Each additional 1/13th mile ($2.60 per mile - includes $0.20 per mile fuel surcharge) $0.20
Waiting time per hour $30.00
McCarran Airport fee per pick-up $1.8
New York City Taxi Rates
Initial activation of taximeter $ 2.50
Each additional 1/5 th mile ($2.50 per mile - includes $0.20 per mile fuel surcharge) $0.50
Waiting time per hour $30.00
Night surcharge of $.50 after 8:00 PM & before 6:00 AM
Peak hour Weekday Surcharge of $1.00 Monday - Friday after 4:00 PM & before 8:00 PM
New York State Tax Surcharge of $.50 per ride.
Passenger pays tolls
New York City also has three "group rides" which are both common and can be very inexpensive. The cab driver can wait for a full load of people
Group Rides from York Avenue at East 79th Street --
Group Rides from Marine Air and Delta Shuttle Terminals at LaGuardia Airport
Group Rides from the Port Authority Bus Terminal --
February 14th, 2013 at 7:45:32 PM
permalink
In the mid 80's when I had the cab co, the drop
was $1 and it was 90 cents a mile. If you took
home $50, it was a good day. $250 a week, cash.
Nobody paid taxes that I knew of, the gov't had
no idea you were driving. I leased the cabs, I had
to report that to nobody. Its different now, they
have the drivers SS numbers and report to the IRS.
In those days waitresses didn't report tips either,
they kept all that they made. Those were the days,
when Big Brother wasn't looking over your shoulder
24/7.
was $1 and it was 90 cents a mile. If you took
home $50, it was a good day. $250 a week, cash.
Nobody paid taxes that I knew of, the gov't had
no idea you were driving. I leased the cabs, I had
to report that to nobody. Its different now, they
have the drivers SS numbers and report to the IRS.
In those days waitresses didn't report tips either,
they kept all that they made. Those were the days,
when Big Brother wasn't looking over your shoulder
24/7.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
February 14th, 2013 at 10:29:38 PM
permalink
Yeah, but how you gonna keep the illegal immigrants working if you don't collect SS numbers?
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
February 15th, 2013 at 1:10:10 AM
permalink
Quote: thecesspitYeah, but how you gonna keep the illegal immigrants working if you don't collect SS numbers?
I seriously doubt there are illegals driving cabs
anywhere. You have to get a taxi license, which
requires a chauffeur's driver's license and you
need to be a citizen to get one. Then, getting a
taxi license is even more hoops you have to jump
thru.
"It's not called gambling if the math is on your side."
February 15th, 2013 at 1:27:34 AM
permalink
Quote: NareedI take a shuttle. It's $13 roundtrip Downtown.
The cheapest way from airport to Fremont street is the public bus, WAX (westcliff airport express). Being the airport line, it is not the usual rift raft that utilizes public transit, but more traveler and airport workers. The cost is $2 and it takes 26 minutes from airport to Fremont street, stopping at 4th and Fremont right near the "D" (former fitzgeralds). This can also be an option if you are staying at one of the 4 hotels on the tropicana/las Vegas Blvd corner (excalibur, New york-new york, MGM or tropicana) as there is a stop on the southwest corner of tropicana and the strip, right along side New York-New York just prior to the bus jumping on the freeway and heading downtown. The bus picks up at the lower level of airport. The only downside is that it only runs once an hour, so depending on your arrival you may have to wait a few minutes.
As far as taxi's, for what it's worth, as a vegas resident, my advice is to tell the driver to take Swenson road, not the tunnel for most access to the strip properties at most times. Most of the properties on the east side of the strip have a secondary taxi entrance from the back avoiding the strip. MGM access from Tropicana road. Planet Hollywood, access from Harmon road. Harrah's, Flamingo, Imperial palace, Venetian, all have access from the back of the properties via Audrie Road which connects off of Flamingo. bally's also has access of Flamingo road, but you will be on the wrong side of the road, so that is useless.
You can make an argument for the tunnel/highway for properties on the westside of strip, but even for these properties, for my money, I would still take Swenson except during the busiest of times like a Friday afternoon arrival.
February 15th, 2013 at 6:37:22 AM
permalink
Quote: kewljThe only downside is that it only runs once an hour, so depending on your arrival you may have to wait a few minutes.
Does it provide room for luggage?
The big downside for the shuttle, when going Downtown, is that you'll likely be the last person dropped off. So the ride can be very long, depending on your arrival time.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
