79th & York Cab Share

The cab share at 79^th and York has been around since 1987 and is used by many UES residents to get work downtown. To my knowledge, it’s the only one of its kind in Manhattan.
The route begins at 79^th and York and heads down the FDR, exits at the Brooklyn Bridge and heading south, dropping off on Water Street anywhere between the Brooklyn Bridge and Broad Street — see this map for the route.
Hours of operation are slightly informal, but generally commence just before 7:00 AM. That being said, you’ll see taxis start to line up on the east side of York Ave much earlier. Opeartion continues throughout the morning commute.
Cost is reasonable — $ 6.00 flat. (The drivers prefer exact change if possible.) Tipping is not customary.
On average, the trip takes about 13 – 15 minutes. If you come early (6:45 — 7:15 AM), currently you’ll end up waiting a few minutes (5 – 10) for the cab to fill up with four people (five for a van cab). After 7:15 AM you almost never have to wait more than 5 minutes, in my experience.
The best thing about this cab share, though, is the drivers. Many of them have been in the line for years. My personal favorite, Louis, has been there for 10 years. So, assuming you go to work around the same time every day, you’ll certainly end up with the same guy a few times, and get to meet some interesting characters.
And, of course, you don’t have to play Sardines and shove yourself into the Lexington Ave subway.