All 2,000 or so taxi companies regulated by the City of Chicago must charge the same fare. Passengers pay any road or bridge tolls. Fares for trips over five miles can be negotiated between the driver and passenger. There is no charge to transport luggage or to pay by credit card. Rules are enforced by starters, Department of Aviation employees who work in curbside booths outside baggage claim.
Starters also answer questions and estimate fares.
Drivers can't refuse to take you to your destination. You can, however, refuse to get into a cab for any reason. If your destination is a suburb, don't wait at curbside for a city cab. The dispatcher will tell you where to pick up the cab. More than 150 companies and their telephone numbers are listed on the pre-arranged ride directories near the information booth on the lower level of each terminal.