Finding a ride in the Bronx isn't always as simple as waving your hand on a street corner, especially when you're deep in Pelham Parkway or navigating the hectic stretches of Webster Avenue. You've probably seen the green stickers and the distinct logos of local livery bases, but one name that consistently pops up in neighborhood chatter is Kiss Car Service. Or, as the locals usually call it, the kiss cab service in the bronx.
It is a staple. Honestly, if you live near White Plains Road, it’s basically part of the furniture. But there is a lot of confusion about how these local bases actually work in the age of Uber and Lyft. People assume every car service is the same, but that’s just not true.
The Reality of Kiss Cab Service in the Bronx
Most folks think "cab" and "car service" are interchangeable. In NYC, that’s a rookie mistake. Kiss isn't a yellow taxi that you hail; it’s a licensed livery base. They operate out of a physical dispatch office, currently located at 2811 White Plains Rd, and they’ve been a neighborhood fixture for years.
Why does this matter? Because when the apps start surge pricing during a snowstorm or a Friday night rush, these local bases often keep their rates more stable.
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They aren't just for quick trips to the grocery store either. They handle a massive amount of medical transportation. In fact, many residents rely on them specifically for getting to doctor appointments because the drivers actually know the layout of the local hospitals like Montefiore. It’s a different vibe than a random guy following a GPS from Jersey.
How to Actually Get a Ride
You have options. Old school or new school.
- The Phone Call: Dialing 718-733-1111 is the classic move. You get a human. Sometimes they’re grumpy, sometimes they’re fast, but they’re always there.
- The App: Surprisingly, they have a fairly robust app on the App Store and Google Play. It lets you track the driver, which is a far cry from the days of just standing on the sidewalk hoping the dispatcher wasn't lying when they said "five minutes."
- The Website: You can even book via their online portal if you're planning a trip to JFK or LaGuardia in advance.
What it Costs (The Real Numbers)
Pricing is where things get interesting. For airport runs, they usually offer flat rates which can be a lifesaver. According to their current schedule, a trip to LGA is roughly $55, while JFK sits around $65. If you’re heading out to Newark, expect to pay closer to $90.
One thing you’ve gotta watch out for: the "app vs. cash" debate. There have been plenty of instances where the app quotes one price, but the driver or the base insists on a slightly different fare, or claims they only take cash. It’s always smart to confirm the price with the dispatcher or the driver before you put your bags in the trunk.
"The fares are cheap and rides are quick," says one frequent rider, Jamal. But he also mentions that you should keep some small bills on you just in case. It's the Bronx; being prepared is just part of the deal.
The Fleet Mystery
You never quite know what’s going to pull up. It might be a standard Toyota Camry, a minivan for a family trip, or even one of their updated Tesla models that have been spotted recently. They even have wheelchair-accessible vehicles, which is a major deal for the older population in the area.
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Why Not Just Use Uber?
Listen, Uber is great for convenience, but the kiss cab service in the bronx has a level of local expertise you can’t program into an algorithm. These drivers know which blocks to avoid during school pickup hours and which shortcuts actually work when the Bronx River Parkway is a parking lot.
They also offer "Hourly Transportation." If you have a day of errands or a special event like a wedding or a funeral, you can essentially rent the car and driver by the hour. Good luck trying to coordinate that with a rideshare app without losing your mind or your paycheck.
Common Misconceptions
- They only stay in the Bronx: Wrong. They cover the whole Tri-State area.
- It's only for emergencies: Nope. A lot of people use them for daily commutes to the 2 or 5 train.
- They are open limited hours: They are a 24/7 operation. 3 AM on a Tuesday? They’re awake.
There is a certain level of trust involved in using a local base. You’re dealing with a business that has to answer to the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) and the local Community Board. Kiss Car Service actually holds license B00647, meaning they are fully regulated and vetted.
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Actionable Advice for Your Next Ride
If you're planning to use them, do these three things to ensure a smooth trip:
- Double-check the payment method: If you're using the app, ask the driver if they've received the card authorization before you leave.
- Book 20 minutes early: Even if they say they're right around the corner, Bronx traffic is a beast. Give yourself a buffer.
- Be specific about your pickup: Don't just give an address; give the cross-streets or a landmark.
Ultimately, Kiss represents a disappearing breed of New York—the neighborhood car service that actually knows the neighborhood. Whether you're heading to a Yankee game or just trying to get home with a week's worth of laundry, they remain one of the most reliable ways to move through the borough.
Check your app store for the "Kiss Car Service" app or keep their number, 718-733-1111, saved in your contacts for the next time the subway is stalled or the rain starts coming down. Confirming your rate upfront with the dispatcher will save you any headache at the destination.