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Rider resources
Information for people riding in taxicabs or transportation network companies (TNCs)
King County and the City of Seattle jointly regulate taxis and transportation network companies (TNCs) to ensure rides are safe and serve our community needs. Riders and drivers both have an obligation to:
- Treat each other with respect
- Treat belongings with care
- Follow the rules
If you want to learn more, read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below. You can also review our regulations or email us with questions.
Compare types of for-hire transportation
| Vehicle | How to ride | Rate | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxicab | Taxicabs are vehicles that transport people for compensation. The passenger controls the route and destination. The vehicles display graphics, such as the dispatch agency logo, and may have a top light. Taxicabs may use a dispatch system, online application, or can be hailed from the street. | Fares can be calculated based on time and distance using a taximeter or may be a flat rate - the fare type must be confirmed prior to starting the trip and must be displayed on the screen during the trip. | Cash or credit card |
| TNC vehicles | TNC vehicles connect with passengers only through an online application on a smartphone or other device. TNC vehicles cannot be hailed from the street. | Fares are set by the TNC and must be shown to passengers before you start the trip. | Smartphone app. Cash payments are not allowed. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Both the driver and the vehicle must be licensed/permitted and both of those licenses/permits must be visible to passengers. Review our guidelines on how TNC vehicles must display their permit and vehicle endorsement. Taxicabs must display the regional for-hire driver license the same as a TNC driver, while the vehicle endorsement with the King County and City of Seattle logos must be visible on the back of the vehicle.
Before you get in a taxicab, check for the King County and City of Seattle decal on the rear of the vehicle. For a TNC, check the front windshield for the TNC vehicle endorsement sticker (green or orange with a bar code) and make sure the vehicle license plate matches what you see in the TNC app.
Inside the vehicle, look for the for-hire driver license/permit, likely on the passenger-side dashboard.
For TNC rides, you can ask the driver to say their name and your name before you get in. Also, several TNCs have an in-app feature for you to share your ride information with a friend or family member.
Yes. Drivers must complete for-hire driver training and a defensive driving course.
A driver cannot refuse you a ride based on your destination. The only reasons a driver can refuse you a ride is if you are disorderly, threatening, or acting in a suspicious manner; if the driver has already been dispatched on another call; if you cannot show ability to pay the fare; or if you refuse to state a specific destination.
A driver shall at all times assist a passenger by placing luggage or packages that are under fifty (50) pounds in and out of the vehicle and cannot charge you an extra fee for luggage.
When calling a taxi dispatch, simply request an accessible vehicle. TNCs (app-based ride services) may have an accessibility setting or mode within the app or offer accessible vehicles as a ride type, but if not, they must provide an internet link, application, or phone number to a service that provides one.
Pet transport policies are set by the taxicab regional dispatch agency or TNC. However, a driver must allow a service dog for a passenger with a disability or handicap.
Yes. A driver shall provide each passenger an electronic or paper receipt upon payment of the fare.
Some companies may charge specific amounts for rides to or from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac or SEA). If so, it must be posted with other fare information. Please remember that this airport is not within Seattle city limits, so fare information listed for "Seattle" or "downtown" may be different than airport-specific rides.
Some TNCs may have a website option for using their service, in addition to the app-based option. We recommend checking with the company.
TNC drivers cannot accept cash for fare payment.