The streets of Chicago can get pretty busy and sometimes hailing a cab sometimes turns out to be an impossible feat for some. This does not mean that you’ll be left out on the streets without a ride to get to your destination, nor does it entail having to resort to getting rideshare services which could be a lot riskier. Sometimes you just have to know a thing or two about the best ways to hail a cab around the Chicago area.

Stick out your thumb.

Some people prefer screaming “Taxi!” at the top of their lungs while some prefer whistling. Unfortunately, these would only leave you breathless and hoarse, especially if you do it continuously. Some could say that they only wait for cabs whose lights are on, but most of the time, this does not work either as some cabs still leave their lights on despite having a passenger. The best option really is for you to just stick out your thumb at every taxi that passes as a hitchhiker would do when looking for a ride on the highway. It’s less tiring, and it gets you noticed every time.

Call the cab company.

Arrange for a pickup by calling the cab company. You can always get their numbers from directory assistance or by looking it up online. You can even schedule the pickup ahead of time, leaving you with less worries when it’s time for you to leave. This is especially helpful if you want to be picked up at a place where you’d have to rely on luck before a cab passes by.

Book online through the cab company’s website.

Most Chicago cab companies have their own websites, and most of them give you the option to book a cab online. So if you’re connected all the time, this is definitely one of the best ways for you to hail a cab. You just need to let the cab company know your location and your destination. You also have the option to book a cab in advance or request for a cab at that precise moment, and you will be notified if there is a cab available in your area.

Book through a taxi app.

Yes, cab companies are keeping up with the times. A lot of cab companies now have their own app where you can request for a cab no matter where you are. Universal Taxi for example, has their very own Universal Taxi App which you can download on your iPhone or Android phone and use anytime you’re having trouble hailing a cab. It’s fast, convenient, and pushing a few buttons on your screen will not be as tiring as having to wave and scream at every cab that passes by.

Cab companies understand the plight of Chicago commuters, which is why they find ways to make it as easy as possible to hail a cab. As long as you have the know-how and the right tools, hailing a cab in the middle of Chicago will be a trick you could master in no time.