 According to an April 2011 study by the "Chicago Dispatcher", New York City taxis have a relatively low standard fare, charging an estimated $14.10 for a distance of five miles and five minutes wait time (compared to an estimated $18.48 in West Hollywood, CA and $12.87 in Houston, TX).Taxi drivers are not permitted to use cell phones while transporting passengers, even if they use a hands-free headset.241 million passengers rode in New York taxis in 1999.