The following changes are hereby made to the Hackney Carriage Rule and Regulations of the Boston Police Department to reflect new Rate of Fare and Shift / Leasing Rates. Such changes amend all previously issued rules, regulations, orders, circulars and memoranda pertaining to the Rates of Fare and Shift / Leasing Rates for Hackney Carriages licensed in the City of Boston, including Commissioner's Memorandum Number 97-25.

Effective September 30, 2002, the following Rates of Fare are in effect on an industry wide basis. The new rate may not be charged until the taximeter has been adjusted to reflect the above changes, which must be made no later than October 21, 2002. New rate cards will not be issued by the Department to any owner until it has been demonstrated that the meters have been adjusted, tested and sealed by the City of Boston Weights & Measures Division.

Meter Rates:

• $1.75 for the first 1/8th mile or less
• $0.30 for each additional 1/8th of a mile

Waiting Time:

• $24.00 per each hour

Flat Rate:

• Dedham and Lexington are no longer flat rate communities and shall be charged metered rates
• $2.60 per mile (as quoted in the "Official Flat Rate Guide")

MassPort and Mass Turnpike Tunnel Fees:

• All Trips to Logan Airport: $ 2.25
• All Trips from Logan Airport: $ 6.00

Leasing and Shift Rates:
Effective September 30, 2002, the following maximum lease / shift rates are in effect on an industry wide basis. No owner/lessor shall charge a rate above this maximum unless he/she has specific written approval from the Police Commissioner. Any owner or company may request permission to charge a lease rate higher than the maximum by filing an appeal with the Police Commissioner.

• The maximum rate for Medallion Leasing shall be:
  All existing contracts for medallion leasing shall be frozen at their current rates for up to one year from the date of this order. Any medallion lease expiring during this one year period may be re-leased at a rate that is no more than 5% greater than the prior lease rate for that medallion number providing that the total lease rate per medallion shall not exceed a maximum rate of $500.00 per week.
  
  
• Shift/Lease Rates shall be publicly posted in a manner for all to view. The maximum Shift Rates are as follows:
  • 12 Hour Shift: $77.00
    
    
  • 24 Hour Shift: $139.00
    
    
  • Weekly Shift: $700.00



• No additional charges shall be authorized except for the following:
  1. The driver (lessee) shall have the responsibility for gasoline costs incurred during his/her shift.
  The driver may not be required to purchase such gas from the owner/lessor;
  
  
  2. The driver may only be charged for additional insurance at the driver's option;
  
  
  
  3. The driver may be charged for a violation assessment ($0.30 per shift);
  
  
  
  4. The driver may be charged a "New Vehicle Premium" at the following rates:
  
  
  12 Hour lease 1st model year $5.00 2nd model year $2.00
  
  24 Hour lease 1st model year $9.00 2nd model year $3.50
  
  Weekly Lease 1st model year $45.00 2nd model year $18.00
  
  
  5. The driver may be charged $7.00 per hour for failure to return a leased vehicle on time; and
  
  
  
  6. The driver may be charged all applicable sales taxes associated with the lease transaction.

• Boston Cab, 536-5010
  
  
• Checker Cab, 617-536-7000
  
  
• City Cab, 617-536-5100
  
  
• ITOA, 617-825-4000
  
  
• Metro Cab, 617-782-5500
  
  
• Town Taxi, 617-536-5000
  
  

What if I think the driver has taken "the long way" to charge me more ?
The customer should ALWAYS get a printed metered receipt WITH the cab number, date and time and report it to the Boston Police Hackney Carriage Unit. Any passenger can tell the driver the route he or she wishes to travel. If this route is longer and costs more, that is the customer's responsibility. Any complaints should be directed to the Hackney Unit, 617-343-4475. After hours, call 617-536-TAXI.
If I lose something in a cab, what can I do ?
If you remember the name of the cab company, contact them directly. You may also contact the hotline at 617-536-TAXI.

Are there any special options for senior citizens or people with disabilities ?
Yes. The Elderly Affairs Commission offers 50% discounted coupon books to elderly and handicapped Boston residents. Each person is allowed to buy 4 books of $10 coupons worth $5 apiece. These coupons are the equivalent of cash. No Boston licensed cab can refuse to take a coupon. Do not tell the driver you have coupons; simply pay him at the end of the ride.