Need a new RELIABLE car service in NYC
 

I've been using Carmel for many years, and they've generally been good (better on going to the airport than picking up at the airport). Last time, they stood me up on the way to the airport, and I'm done with them. There's so many car services in NY, and I've used some, but was just wondering if any of my fellow NY fodorites can recommend any particularly good ones. Thanks for any help.

have used at least 15 or 20 of different services over the years - both personally and for business at various companies. In my experience the only ones that are truly reliable are the top echelon, "white glove" services that are the most expensive. As soon as you start looking for less expensive options you begin to sacrifice reliability not always in eactly direct proportion to price - but pretty close.

Yeah, that's been my experience as well. The one my firm uses is quite good, as are some others I've used for business, but I generally have not used them personally. Maybe I will this time. Thanks.

BLS

I won't use a local car service in NY. The last time I did (from LaGuardia), the driver started driving way off course for my destination into a very seedy area outside the city. He would not answer my questions about where we were going (which started to get me scared), and then he pulled into a gas station and after filling up, told me it is the cheapest place to fill up. I only use Boston Coach now, no matter where I go. I've never had trouble w/them, ever, in 17 years of using them for business.

We've had decent experiences with Tel Aviv. BCS stood us up and were impossible to reach about it.

This discussion makes me curious. While I've found car services in London are a fraction of the cost of taxis, do you save any money using a car service in New York. I had the impression there were no savings, and if you can easily get a cab anytime to take you to or from the airport, what is the point? Am I missing something here?

We have found car services to offer nicer, cleaner, more luxurious cars at about the same price as a taxi.

I'm curious about this myself, since the few times I have tried to get a taxi from my office in Manhattan after work (5pm) with luggage, it was next to impossible to get a taxi. I was told that the shift change is 6pm, and most drivers don't want to go to the airport anytime right before that! (Not to mention 5pm is prime taxi time!)

I have to get to LaGuardia from the Flatiron district, and contemplating calling a car service as well. My company usually uses Allstate, and has never had a problem.

Delroy limo is very dependable, with clean cars and polished drivers. Many of the NY hotels use them. Local tel is (718) 292-1010.

Patrick--In response to your question, we don't necessarily save money using a car service, but it can be better than a taxi depending on various things. First, at certain times of the day, it is VERY difficult to get a taxi. Also, in bad weather, also much more difficult to get a taxi. So, the car service takes those variables out of play. Also, if going to airport at busy time of day and there is traffic, that increases the cost, as the meter continues to tick up while sitting in traffic, while car service is a fixed price. Depending on the taxi, also may not be enough room for luggage, as sometimes they have a lot of crap taking up trunk space. In addition, for future reference, beginning in May, the taxi rates are increasing significantly. The flat fare from JFK to anywhere in Manhattan which had been $35 is now going up to $45.

In NY car services can not pick up random on-street riders. You have to call and book them to come to a location.

I was trying to hail a cab in NY in mid-town and a car service stopped for me. Unfortunate for him there was a police car directly behind him, who gave him a $100 ticket. Then the cab behind him picked me up and laughed all the way to the airport.

We've used Carmel the last few times to the airport. They have always been on time and the cars are roomy (there's 4 of us). From the airports, we have not been thrilled with any car service. Taxis always seem to be quicker.

There's one I do NOT recommend...can't recall the name, but the cars have a sun symbol in the window.

On a trip from my office to the airport, the guy got pulled over for making an illegal turn -- and then it turned out his license had been revoked the previous month! Oy. I really wish I could remember the name of the company, but I'm drawing a blank.

Basically most of the car services that compete with each other are similiar. Carmel is OK, I prefer Allstate (212 333-3333, or 1800-453-4099. It has been my experience that when being dropped off at the airport they are generally very reliable, on being picked up at the airport, they are not always 100% great. I try to call to reconfirm on any airport pickups I may schedule, as you never know!
In general, Newark airport is where the pick ups from Car Services are the worst.

MF, the OP said Carmel is the one they don't want to use anymore, so suggesting using them kind of defeats the purpose.

Should also make people aware, that going from Manhattan to the airport, when you call a car service, these are generally more expensive and a lot different than what you find at the airports. I usually see local car services (to the Queens area) hanging around the airports.

These are the guys that someone called from their house in say, Astoria or Forest Hills or Jamaica to get to the airport, and then the car service hangs around the airport hoping to find another fare. They also tend to overcharge because chances are you will be taking them out of their "local" or home area. So if you are waiting at the airport for a cab, do not take these guys!

In fact there are many times when it is close to impossible to get a cab in New York. And especially difficult if you have luggage. So I always use a car service to the airport (and a cab home - which is faster since you don't have to look for the wandering driver or wait for them to bring the car around.) Also, we frequently use a car service when going or taking a client to/fro special events (US Tennis Open, team sporting events, theaters etc) when waiting or having to hunt up a cab is unacceptable.

I would still use Carmel to take me TO the airport, but have had trouble on the return with Carmel and other services as well. With many of these services you have too call them when you're ready to leave the airport then go outside and wait for them. They apparently linger at the airport after a dropoff waiting for return calls. From my experience it's been quicker to go to the taxi line than wait for the car service to show.

So, since I have to be at JFK for an international flight on May 6 by 6PM, I'd be wise to get a car service (I'd say at 4:30) instead of going out to my corner of 8th and 45th to get a taxi?

Yes it would be wise Patrick. I usually ask when I call them to reserve the car, what time do they think (since they hopefully they are most famiiar with the airport traffic at those busy hours).

My friends also ask the car service to tell them exactly what it will cost. They should tell you and they should stick to it.

To be safe Patrick, and not have to "stress and worry" incase of rain, beginning of rush hour traffic, I would call the car service to pick you up to go to the airport. It is worth it especially at that time. It may even be cheaper then a cab at that hour if the weather is raining or bad traffic. Just get a confirmation number. I also find if I give them my credit card number at the time of reservation they are even more dependable and timely.

Yes, Patrick, I'd recommend that. That time of day, beginning of rush hour, could be very difficult to find a cab in that area. Of course, you may go outside and find 100 cabs, but you never know, and you don't want to go out there hoping to find a cab and then can't.

almesq, what did Carmel say when the driver didn't show up? (I assume you called them.)

After more than one horrendous experience using a car service FROM the airport we now always take a taxi. I was thrilled when they went to a flat rate, even if it has gone up recently.

On the other hand, I've never been "stood up" by any car service going TO the airport. Mostly I've used Carmel and Tel Aviv lately. Standing on the street corner with my luggage trying to hail a cab is NOT my idea of a good time.

Until something changes, it's taxi into NY, car service out for me.

I agree with Marilyn.
Also, for people on a tight budget and don't want to take a cab, the SUPER SHUTTLE BLUE VAN is supposed to not a bad way from the airport into Manhattan. It runs every 20 minutes and picks up about 5-6 people in the van for $15.00 each. If arriving at JFK or LaGuardia and the cab line is extra long, the SUPER Shuttle (BLUE VAN) is just another option to check out. You don't reserve it beforehand at the airport, but just GO TO THE INFORMATION DESK AT THE BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA and tell them you want to be on "the list."

PHONE NUMBER: SUPER SHUTTLE(BLUE VAN)
1212 258-3826 (1212 BLUE VAN)

Marilyn--It was actually the second time I ever had a problem being picked up to go TO the airport by Carmel. It was a weekday afternoon at about 5:30. Still not here at 5:40, called, they had the driver call me. He said he was 4 blocks away and would be there in 1 minute. 10 minutes later, still not there, he called again and said he was on his way. At that point we were getting into a taxi so I told him not to bother anymore.
About 3 years ago, they left me stranded on a SUnday night going to airport, and had trouble getting a taxi. I called and they said the driver had picked up someone else because I wasn't there, which was ridiculous. They often do that at the airport, just pick up the first person who flags them down since they don't feel like waiting.

Thanks for sharing the details, almesq. I think with these car services (all the cheaper ones) it's largely a matter of luck. If you get a good driver who's been with them a while and is dependable, no problem. If you happen to get a driver who is destined to be fired within the week, then you are the unlucky sob who gets stuck. I'm always very nervous til the guy shows up!