Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Taxi Fares Jacked Up On Irene-Induced Zone System
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Aug 27, 2011
Modified Aug 27, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Aug 27, 2011
Modified Aug 27, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Now that your mind and your monthly Metrocard has been blown by the MTA's closure at noon, you'll have to settle for a taxi. But the impending hurricane has transformed the meter into a mysterious "zone" system (no relation to the evacuation zones), full of cryptic "letters." However, the changes aren't nearly as byzantine as DC's old zone system, and the new regulations will even force livery cabs to charge the same as the yellow ones. Strange times, indeed.
Per the TLC's decree: all taxies and liveries will charge $10/person initially, and $5 for every other zone that is entered. Manhattan has been divided into two zones at 60th street, and "group rides will be permitted and encouraged." The maximum fare to/from Manhattan to JFK is $30, while La Guardia is $20. Man, what a steal! Too bad no one's going to the airport. And apparently, there's one group of customers who will be especially happy for the Irene Fare system.
Tagged
cabbies
cabs
d.c.
hurricane irene
liveries
natural disasters
taxis
zone
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani extends NYC racial equity leader's term after Council pushes back on replacement
Linda Tigani, the current chair of the Commission on Racial Equity, is expected to stay on in the role through July 2027.
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Oct 28, 2026 at 4:31 p.m. ET
Woman charged with federal hate crimes after allegedly stabbing 2 Jewish men in NYC
Anna Mochalova is accused of using a needle-like object to stab two men near the Diamond District earlier this month.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Woman charged with federal hate crimes after allegedly stabbing 2 Jewish men in NYC
Anna Mochalova is accused of using a needle-like object to stab two men near the Diamond District earlier this month.
By
Giulia Heyward
Ex-NYPD sergeant sentenced to 4-12 years in deadly drunken Taconic crash
By
Charles Lane
After being booed at integration forum, NYC chancellor praised by school parent leaders
By
Jessica Gould
Lithium-ion battery caused Bronx fire that killed 11-year-old, FDNY says
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .