It’s so important to be safe when hailing a cab – especially in this new age of Uber and Hailo.  Boston police, along with local livery services –  like Uber –  are now trying to inform people how to safely take a taxi home at night.  Here are some tips:

• Do not get into unmarked taxi or livery cars 
• Only use licensed cabs or clearly identifiable livery service cars that have been called to the location
• Check for a licensed medallion, the metal badge on a vehicle that shows it is registered with the Boston Police Department.  (to see picture visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/police/hackney/taxis.asp)
• The logo and other lettering on the cab should be permanent and made of vinyl rather than a temporary magnet placed on the door
• Drivers should have a posted photo identification

As always the buddy-system works best.  If it’s late at night and you can avoid taking a cab home alone, try to share a taxi with a friend. 

Be safe, Southie!