A taxicab stand (also called taxi rank, cab stand, taxi stand, cab rank, or hack stand) is a queue area on a street or on private property where taxicabs line up to wait for passengers.
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Private hire vehicles must never stop or wait in taxi ranks, or the driver will be subject to a Penalty Charge Notice and potentially licensing action.
From Driver Rule 54-20 (in PDF): It is against the law to refuse a person based on race, disability, or a destination in New York City. A taxicab driver is required to drive a passenger to any destination in the five boroughs. You can make a refusal complaint by calling 3-1-1.
Also let the cabbie know if you have a route in mind that you'd prefer the driver to take, as this will ensure that you avoid any disputes later on. In most black cabs the two front seats are usually partitioned off by a screen and it's common for customers to sit in the back rather than in the front.
The gentleman slides across the seats so as to minimize the lady's effort and potential for wardrobe malfunctions. A gentleman always goes first in taxis, revolving doors at rest, and boats.
The same reason you tip a server when you paid $200 for dinner. Cab drivers, like servers, make NO SALARY. Also, for the personal effort they (an actaul person, mind!)
How do taxi drivers learn the streets in their area? Many of them grew up in the area or have lived there for awhile so they know the streets simply from being a part of the community. Others, who have to learn on the job, simply pick it up from the many hours of driving the streets each week!
Why do taxi drivers only take cash? Immediate payment: Cash payments provide immediate payment to the driver without any delay or potential chargebacks, unlike card payments which may be subject to processing times and potential chargebacks.