Chicago Transportation Insights: Avoiding Taxi Scams During Democratic National Convention

The Democratic National Convention in Chicago is fast approaching , and with it comes the need for transportation to navigate the city . The I - Team has investigated the potential for taxi scams during the event at the United Center and McCormick Place . This issue is particularly prevalent due to the high demand for rides , resulting in longer wait times and increased costs.

During the DNC , riders are advised to be cautious when using ride - sharing services such as Uber and Lyft , as surge pricing may be in effect . Laura Rodriguez , a rider , suggests planning ahead and considering options like ride - sharing or sharing a ride to cut down on expenses . The City of Chicago 's Business Affairs and Consumer Protection 's acting Commissioner Ivan Capifali emphasizes the importance of shopping around for the best prices and being aware of surge pricing before confirming a ride.

To avoid falling victim to taxi scams , it is recommended to use a taxi app that operates based on a city - regulated meter . Curb , a taxi app , assures that there will be more taxis available during the DNC to meet the increased demand . However , riders should be cautious when flagging down taxis at large events , as some drivers may try to charge a higher , flat rate without turning on the meter , which is illegal in Chicago.

In addition to being vigilant about taxi scams , riders should also be on the lookout for fake taxis . Legitimate taxis will have license plates with an orange background and blue lettering , ending in " TX . " It 's essential to check for red stickers or medallions on the hood of cabs to verify their authenticity . Furthermore , riders should ensure that there is a taxi number and ID information in the back of the cab and use the payment system located in the back seat for transactions , as taxi drivers are prohibited from swiping cards on their phones.

As the DNC approaches , both ride - sharing services and taxis will have designated areas for drop - off and pick - up at the United Center and McCormick Place . By following these precautions and staying informed about potential scams , riders can navigate Chicago safely and efficiently during the Democratic National Convention.