I feel uncomfortable taking a taxi from a queue for a short trip.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes it would be convenient for me to take a taxi that's in a hotel or train station queue for a trip of 10 blocks or so. I feel I shouldn't because those taxis are probably expecting longer trips and have been waiting a while for them. Instead I'll Uber or flag down a taxi from the street. Is my guilt justified?

[Anonymous]

It's a taxi. Luck of the draw. I wouldn't feel bad about this at all.

[Anonymous]

People are so weird. The guy wants to make money. Take the can. He will get back in line.

[Anonymous]

They can turn right around and head back to that hotel or train station for another fare. A longer trip could get them stuck in traffic or something. I don't think you have any hesitation in using the taxi waiting right there.

[Anonymous]

It's completely fine. As others said, they can just turn right around and be back in 10 minutes, or pick someone else up, since they ar in the city.

Also, with Uber and Lyft trying to kill cabs (whose drivers are infinitely more competent), any cab ride is a good thing!

[Anonymous]

If you feel guilty, give extra tip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People are so weird. The guy wants to make money. Take the can. He will get back in line.

Exactly. Sometimes the hotels pay them to sit there to be available too. I would never feel guilty taking a cab 10 blocks. I have taken cabs even less than that (wearing uncomfortable shoes will do that to you!).

[Anonymous]

You should do what's most convenient for YOU.
Maybe, with your level of anxiety, that means flagging down a vehicle that's not in the hotel queue. Please be aware it makes no difference AT ALL to the driver. Why would a driver in the street be more or less receptive to your request than a driver in the hotel? Your brain doesn't work right, but my point is that you should live your life how you want. You only have one, after all.

[Anonymous]

You can tell the taxi stand guy and they will find the right cab. Or just Uber.

Whatever you do it’s totally fine. Don’t worry about it.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your insights. I'm so grateful.
-- OP

[Anonymous]

The taxi driver will be fine with it, they can go right back and get back in line, not as easy to do if they have to drive far out.

[Anonymous]

Leave a substantial tip when you have to do this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you feel guilty, give extra tip.

Precisely. Quick turnaround with a higher than average tip is the sweet spot. This does require you to put your wallet at least a little bit more where your mouth is, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sometimes it would be convenient for me to take a taxi that's in a hotel or train station queue for a trip of 10 blocks or so. I feel I shouldn't because those taxis are probably expecting longer trips and have been waiting a while for them. Instead I'll Uber or flag down a taxi from the street. Is my guilt justified?

No, your guilt is unjustified. Why do you think they want a long trip? Multiple short trips are often more lucrative than one long trip.

[Anonymous]

Can drivers like more shorter trips than one long one, or so I’ve heard