I'm sure this is one of the oldest loads of shit in the book, but a warning. I left a club very close to Bushwick just now and figured the most efficient way of getting back home was to pay a taxi to get to the station, then take a train home since I have an unlimited card.

However, first he asked, "Cash?" so I should have known something was up. Sure enough, in my 5am post-drunk stupor it took me 20 seconds after pulling away to realize the meter was off. Oh boy.

Now, the ride was only three minutes, a straight shot down a street, and I'd just looked up the rate on Curb - it would have been an $11 ride, and I always tip, so probably $15?

But we pull up to the Jefferson St station - he asks for $20.

I just hand him a $20, no tip. He probably knew I knew since I was taken aback and added no tip.

I'm not about to get into a fight over an extra $5 I would have probably paid, but frankly speaking there's no way I'm the only one dealing with this on much worse rides. So if you ever hop into a taxi and get into a similar situation, DEMAND the meter goes on. Don't be an idiot like me.