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In TLC rules, the rate of fare is the price the meter charges for the trip itself: a set initial charge plus a set amount for each unit of distance or time. For yellow taxis and green-cab hail trips it is $3.00 to start, plus 70 cents per unit (TLC fare page, as of 2026-10-12). Surcharges, taxes, tolls and tips are added on top. They are not part of the rate of fare.
Official definition
"Rate of Fare" is not a stand-alone defined term in Chapter 51. Chapter 51 points to "the metered rate of fare as set forth in §58-26 and §82-26." Rule 58-26(a)(1) says:
"The rate of fare for Taxicabs is as follows, regardless of the number of passengers or stops: (i) The charge for the initial unit is $3.00 plus the Taxicab Improvement Surcharge of $1.00 (ii) The charge for each additional unit is $.70 (iii) The unit of fare is: A. One-fifth of a mile, when the Taxicab is traveling at 12 miles an hour or more; or B. 60 seconds, when the Taxicab is traveling at less than 12 miles an hour."
The meter combines distance and time "in accordance with Handbook 44 of the National Institute of Standards and Technology." The last, partial unit can be charged in full (58-26(a)(1)(iv)-(v)). Rule 82-26(a)(1) sets the same rate for green-cab hail trips.
Rate of fare vs similar terms
Where drivers meet the term
- Overcharge summonses. Rule 80-17(a)(1) bars charging "a fare above the Commission-approved rates." Mandatory penalties are set in §80-02(e).
- Meter rules. A green cab's meter must "accurately compute the rate of fare currently established by the Commission" (Rule 82-38(b)). You must start it as soon as a hail passenger gets in (Rule 80-26(b)(1): $200 and 1 point).
- Green-cab decals. Street Hail Liveries must carry "rate of fare decals" on both rear doors (Chapter 82 vehicle markings).
- Out-of-city trips. Beyond the city, the rate changes: double the meter to Nassau or Westchester, or a negotiated flat rate elsewhere — see out-of-city taxi fares.
Related terms
Taximeter, rate code, night surcharge and Flex Fare. Data on how much is collected overall: farebox. More pay topics are on the money hub.
Frequently asked questions
What is the current taxi rate of fare?
$3.00 for the initial charge (plus the $1.00 improvement surcharge) and 70 cents for each additional unit. A unit is one-fifth of a mile at 12 mph or more, or 60 seconds below 12 mph (Rule 58-26(a)(1); TLC fare page, as of 2026-10-12).
Is the rate of fare different with more passengers?
No. Rule 58-26(a)(1) sets the rate 'regardless of the number of passengers or stops,' and there is no charge for luggage or mobility aids (Rule 58-26(d)).
Is the rate of fare the same for green cabs?
Yes, for street-hail trips. Rule 82-26(a)(1) sets the same $3.00 and 70-cent units for Street Hail Liveries. Pre-arranged green-cab trips follow the base's rate schedule filed with TLC.
Are surcharges part of the rate of fare?
No. The rules add surcharges 'in addition to the metered rate of fare' — the rush-hour, nighttime and LaGuardia surcharges — and the MTA tax is charged separately.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 58 (§58-26), updated Feb 27, 2026 nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 82 (§82-26, decals), updated Feb 27, 2026 nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 51: Definitions nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 80 (§80-17, §80-26) nyc.gov
- TLC: Taxi Fare nyc.gov
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TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.