One of the defining features of cabs is their availability on demand. Passengers can easily hail a cab on the street, call a taxi dispatch service, or use mobile apps to request a ride. This quick accessibility makes cabs a popular choice for spontaneous travel needs or situations where immediate transportation is required.

Cabs often operate on a metered fare system, where the fare is determined by factors such as distance traveled and waiting time. This transparent pricing model ensures that passengers pay for the actual services rendered. Additionally, some modern cab services offer cashless transactions through mobile payment options, making the payment process more convenient.

Cabs are typically marked with distinctive colors, logos, or signage, making them easily identifiable. Professional cab drivers are trained to navigate city streets efficiently and provide a safe and comfortable ride for passengers. While the traditional image of a cab is a sedan, many cab services now offer a variety of vehicle types, including minivans and hybrid cars, to accommodate different passenger preferences and group sizes.