Stay Away From Taxi's

Question

First off, Boston is a wonderful town except for Taxi's. Our flight was canceled, it was late at night and I wasn't sure if Boston AIrport allowed Lyft drivers to pick us up. We grabbed a taxi at the airport to take us two miles to our hotel. When we arrived, the driver said that he doesn't accept credit cards (in spite of having a credit card reader in the back seat) and that he needed cash. I only had two twenty's to pay for the $35 charge, he refused to give me change! He drove off before I could get his Taxi number to report this.

Answer

Boston is a fantastic city to visit, but taxi experiences can sometimes be frustrating, especially if drivers are uncooperative or cash-only. Incidents like the one you described—where a driver refuses to accept credit cards or provide change—are unfortunately not unheard of, though they are not the norm. Here’s a detailed overview and advice for navigating transportation in Boston safely and efficiently.

Issues with Boston Taxis:

Boston taxis are licensed and required to display rates, license numbers, and credit card acceptance signs. However, some drivers may claim that they cannot process cards due to equipment issues or other excuses. In your case, the driver’s refusal to provide change and drive off before reporting is a violation of standard practices.

If you encounter such a situation, try to note the taxi’s medallion number (usually displayed on the exterior of the vehicle) or take a photo of the car and license plate immediately.
You can report any misconduct to the City of Boston Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) online or via phone. They track complaints and can take disciplinary action against drivers.

Alternatives to Taxis:

In Boston, ride-sharing apps such as Lyft and Uber are widely used, often more reliable than traditional taxis, especially late at night or during flight delays.

Lyft/Uber: Both are allowed to pick up passengers at Logan International Airport (BOS). Follow the signs to the designated rideshare pickup area outside each terminal; this is usually clearly marked.
Airport Shuttles: Some hotels offer complimentary or low-cost shuttles from Logan Airport. This is convenient if you have reservations and want to avoid taxis altogether.
Public Transit: The MBTA (the "T") offers bus and Silver Line service from Logan Airport to downtown Boston. While less convenient with heavy luggage, it is inexpensive and reliable.

Tips to Avoid Issues:

Always ask upfront if a taxi accepts credit cards before starting the trip.
Keep small bills and change on hand just in case a driver prefers cash.
Use ride-sharing apps when possible, as fares are set, and payments are processed through the app, eliminating cash disputes.
If you experience an issue with a taxi, report it to the Boston TLC as soon as possible, providing all details such as time, location, license plate, and description of the driver.

Overall, while most Boston taxi rides are fine, it’s safer and more predictable to rely on Lyft, Uber, or hotel shuttles, especially when arriving late at night or dealing with flight delays. This approach minimizes surprises, ensures fair payment, and improves your overall travel experience in Boston.