The issue of taxi drivers lying and saying their machine is broken when it isn't is so rampant they even cover it in the FAQ you linked to!
>What if a driver says the system is not working?
The passenger should note the medallion number and go to 311 Online. Drivers are permitted to work with a broken system for up to 48 hours as long as they have reported the problem and are awaiting repair. Almost all (90%) system repairs must be completed within six hours.
And there isn't much you can do about it except threaten to complain and hope the taxi driver relents and lets you use it.
You can also just get out of the cab. I usually throw em any cash if I have it on me but not my fault you just drove me to the airport and forgot to mention your card machine doesn't work.
They are required in lots of places, but people don't always follow the law. It's not surprising to hear the old "the machine is broken, need cash" excuse.
Not sure about the law in other places, but in Boston that's too bad for them. You can just get out of the cab without paying if their machine doesn't work.
I never really understood that. A cab driver told me that once, so I told him that I was leaving without paying. Even if he wasn't lying, I accept no responsibility for their broken equipment.
>What if a driver says the system is not working? The passenger should note the medallion number and go to 311 Online. Drivers are permitted to work with a broken system for up to 48 hours as long as they have reported the problem and are awaiting repair. Almost all (90%) system repairs must be completed within six hours.
And there isn't much you can do about it except threaten to complain and hope the taxi driver relents and lets you use it.