Text A Taxi

Gofastcab has expanded into Los Angeles, offering anyone who has SMS texting the ability to summon a taxi... assuming you are sober enough to know where you are... and can correctly type it into your phone.

Simply punch in your address and send it to 777222 (777CAB). Normal text charges apply. The address will be verified and sent to one of five cab companies that service the Southland: LA Yellow Cab, South Bay Yellow Cab, United Checker, Fiesta Taxi, or Long Beach Yellow Cab, which covers Point Dume to Terminal Island and most everything in between.

A confirmation code good for the phone holder only will be sent with the address to the nearest cab, which is dispatched immediately. You can also text STATUS, CANCEL, or HELP to 777222 if you have questions or need to nix the order.

If you’re wondering how much the ride will set you back, LA Taxi Wiz has a handy calculator to estimate the charge, which is roughly $2.70 per mile after the first, and .30 for every 37 seconds they’re waiting for you. All passengers ride for one price, so splitting the cost with your friends can make it affordable.

A Los Angeles city ordnance that began just over a year ago allows taxis to idle in “No Stopping” zones to pick up or drop off fares within Los Angeles and Hollywood, so you can usually get door-to-door service. But you’ll have to stagger yourself through the entrance.

City of Los Angeles Taxi Services