Taxis cost more, but provide better protection for the rider. The quick and dirty: Ride-sharing costs less and is easier to use. Many ride-share companies also perform background checks, but don't require a fingerprint scan. Taxi drivers are also required to undergo a background check: In some states, a fingerprint scan is required, which is run through an FBI database. Ride-share drivers need personal insurance, and are partially covered while they have a rider in their car (and their app is open and running), but can be dropped from their insurance company if their coverage does not include commercial coverage. Taxi drivers are fully covered under their company's insurance policy. Taxis have a few advantages that ride-share companies do not.
Unsure whether you should use a ride-sharing app or a taxi service? Our own Lory Gil broke down the difference when she reviewed Curb in 2017: cities, including Washington, D.C., Chicago. Note: Not every app is available in every city, so we've recommended a variety of different apps to (hopefully) cover all your transportation bases. Curb, a taxi app boasting access to tens of thousands of cabs across the U.S., has rolled out upfront pricing for cab rides in popular U.S. Here are some of the best apps for getting around your town.
Whether you're planning to indulge in liquid libations this weekend, you just don't feel like walking through our lovely Smarch weather, or the public transit in your city isn't as good as it could be, you can pull up a ride-sharing and taxi app and be on your way in no time.
