What types of vehicles does Carmel affiliate with?
Carmel features an affiliated fleet of late model 4 door sedans, as well as more luxurious sedans. We also feature Minivans, SUV's, Stretch Limousines, and Larger Passenger Vans.
How many people and how much luggage can fit into a sedan?
Our affiliated sedans accommodate up to 3 passengers and up to 3 pieces of luggage and 3 carry-ons (depending on size).
Do you charge extra for luggage?
There is NO charge for luggage as long as it all fits into the trunk. If any piece of luggage does not fit into the trunk of the car and must be placed inside the vehicle, there will be a $10 surcharge.
What if I have more than 4 people, or more than 3 pieces of luggage?
We offer minivans, up to 6 passengers and 4 pieces of luggage, as well as large passenger vans, up to 10 passengers and 10 bags. We can also offer stretch limousine or sprinter limousine which holds up to 14 passengers with no bags. Our largest category is the buses category. There we can offer Sprinters and buses which can accommodate from 14 to 40 passengers and the same amount of bags.
Do you have an affiliated wheelchair accessible vehicles?
Yes we do have affiliated wheelchair accessible vehicles. Please call our reservation line to speak to one of our customer service representatives at 1-212-666-6666 or 1-800-9-CARMEL.
I'm traveling with my pet. What kind of car can I reserve?
If you are traveling with a pet, a minivan is required for your trip at the minivan rate.
What about ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliance?
Carmel is proud to be in full compliance with ADA and Visually Impaired Persons Acts.
Do I have to bring a car seat for my child?
If your child is under the age of 7, legally your child must be in a car seat. All passengers must provide their own car seats. Carmel does not provide car seats.
Can my kids travel alone?
An adult must accompany passengers under the age of 18 years. A driver reserves the right to ask for ID for proof of age.
How much should I tip?
Gratuities are at the discretion of the passenger. Exceptions include: Charge accounts and pre-paid reservation.
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What are the Tolls to the Airports?
Not every trip to/from the airports will result in a toll. To name a few, if you are in Manhattan and there is a toll to/from JFK or LGA that toll will likely be $6.94. But, if the trip is to/from EWR (Newark Airport), tolls will always be charged and start from $22.62 (because the driver does not have a non-toll route returning to Manhattan.)
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What is the General Tolls Policy?
A. Tolls policy is governed by the New York City (NYC) Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC).
B. The responsibilities of being equipped with an EZ-Pass and charging the EZ-Pass rate, rests solely on the driver (Carmel has no ability to verify the vehicle is equipped with a functioning EZ-Pass, and no portion of the EZ-Pass amount goes to Carmel):
- TLC rule §59A-23 (a)(1) obligates the vehicle to be equipped with an EZ-Pass.
- TLC rule §59A-23 (a)(4) obligates the driver to only charge the EZ-Pass rates.
C. With regards to what tolls are to be paid by the passengers:
- TLC rule §59A-23 (a)(3) obligates the passenger to pay for the tolls, but only the EZ-Pass rates.
- TLC rule §59A-23 (b) provides that,
- On trips beyond NYC, passengers must pay all necessary tolls to and from the destination.
- On trips TO the Rockaway Peninsula, passengers must pay for twice the tolls of The Cross Bay Veterans Bridge or The Marine Parkway – Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge.
- However, on trips FROM the Rockaway Peninsula, no toll can be charged for The Cross Bay Veterans Bridge or The Marine Parkway – Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge.
- On trips TO Staten Island, passengers must pay for twice the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge.
- However, on trips FROM Staten Island, no toll can be charged for the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge.
D. Given the For-hire vehicle is not a metered taxi, the driver reserves the right to take the best route due to traffic/weather conditions.
E. To get an idea of what tolls (and rate) your trip may include, you can use the
New York State Thruway Toll and Distance Calculator.
Please note: Given the final route taken depends on the route the driver elects to use, and the fact that the toll calculator doesn’t calculate return tolls the TLC rules allow the driver to charge, the tolls calculator results should be considered only as an estimate.
F. What can you do if you feel the driver overcharged you for the tolls?
- You can launch a complaint with TLC:
- Dial 311 or 212-NEW-YORK (212-639-9675) from outside of NYC
- Visit the NYC311 website and submit a service request under the Car Service Complaint category.
- You can also contact Carmel Customer Service for assistance:
How can I validate my coupon online?
If the reservation is made online, once you check the box "I am using a coupon" or "I am using a digital discount" box at the "review" page stage, you will be provided with instruction to validate your coupon or digital discount.
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What type of passenger vans does Carmel affiliate with?
Whether you're having a corporate event, heading to a trade show or even if you have a large family with a lot of luggage, reserve our affiliated minivans or large 13 person passenger vans to take you anywhere you need to go. You tell us what you need and we will accommodate the request.
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I want to treat myself to a stretch limo. What does Carmel offer?
Our affiliated stretch limousines are fully equipped with TVs, DVDs and CD players. Proms, weddings or any other special occasion are our specialty! We provide everything except the alcohol. Go online and take a tour on the 'Our Affiliated Fleet' page on our website.
When I use a credit card, do I have to present the card to the driver?
Yes if your plan is to pay for the trip using your credit card in the car. And you MUST bring the card with you and present it to the driver for processing at the completion of the trip.
Can I pay for someone else using my credit card?
Yes. We offer a pre-paid option payment which can be used as a third-party payment. Just make your reservation, when you get to the payment section and enter your credit card number, you will have an option to pre-pay for the ride the "All Inclusive" for your guest.
If I have 'stops' on the way to my destination, how much do they cost?
Charges may vary, and are computed by the computerized system, based on the distance and the time added to the trip due to the extra stop. For all stop fares quotes, please call our reservation line at 212-666-6666 or 1-800-9-CARMEL for a quote.
I have skis, snow boards or golf clubs. What vehicle should I reserve?
Our affiliated minivans accommodate up to 6 passengers with 4 pieces of luggage or 5 passengers with 5 pieces of luggage, and our affiliated SUVs accommodate 6 passengers with 6 pieces of luggage. If you are traveling with a surfboard, skis or golf clubs, you can reserve a minivan, large passenger van, or SUV online, or call 212-666-6666 or 1-800-9-CARMEL.
How do I get a receipt if I forgot to get one?
The best and fastest way to get a receipt is online. Go to
www.CarmelLimo.com find the "Customer Care" tab and from it to "Get Receipt" and get your receipt immediately. If you don't have an internet access, you can call our 'Customer Service Voice Mail' at 212-662-9807. Please provide the following: Name, Date, Pick Up Location and Destination along with the total trip amount you paid to the driver. Customer Service will either fax or mail your receipt to your address.
What if I lost something in a Carmel affiliated car? Do you have a 'Lost and Found'?
Carmel has a Lost and Found department. While Carmel is not liable for lost items left behind in any affiliated vehicle by a passenger, we do have a Lost and Found inquiry procedure. If you suspect you have left an item in a Carmel affiliated vehicle immediately upon the termination of the ride, please call us as soon as you can at 1-800-9CARMEL or 212-666-6666 and speak with a dispatcher. If the driver finds your item and can bring your item to you, there will be a minimum surcharge of $20 to be paid to the driver at the time of delivery. If you suspect you have left something in the car after the trip was concluded (i.e., the driver has left a while ago), the best way to inquire about it will be to go to our web site at
www.CarmelLimo.com, the "Customer Care" tab, and from it to the "Lost and Found" tab. Or, you can leave a message for our Customer Service at: 212-662-9807. Please provide your name, contact number, reservation telephone number, and date of trip along with a brief description of the lost item. Please note that it may take 2-3 business days for the Lost and Found Department to retrieve your item (if it is found). Once and if your item has been received from the driver, Lost and Found will contact you and provide you with options of how you can retrieve your lost item. Please note: Our Lost and Found Department is open Monday - Friday between the 9am and 5pm. It is closed on weekends. Carmel is not liable for lost items left behind in any affiliated vehicle by a passenger, but we will do whatever we can to help you find it.
What if I run late to my pickup? Do you charge for waiting time?
Carmel gives a grace period of 15 minutes after the pickup time free of charge. However, if you run late for the pick up more than 15 minutes, Carmel will charge for the entire minutes late. (Example 1: If the pickup time is for 10AM and the passenger arrives at 10:15AM, no waiting time will be charged. Example 2: If the pickup time is 10AM and the passenger arrives at 10:20AM, the waiting time charge will be for 20 minutes. Waiting time is charged based on a pro-rated hourly rate depending on the car class.