Figure 4-8
Figure 4-8 shows the market for taxi rides. The following question(s) are based on this
figure.
Refer to Figure 4-8. To legally drive a taxicab in New York City, you must have a
medallion issued by the city government. Assume that only 13,200 medallions have
been issued. Let’s also assume this puts an absolute limit on the number of taxi rides
that can be supplied in New York City on any day, because no one breaks the law by
driving a taxi without a medallion. Assume as well that each taxi provides 6 trips per
day. In that case, the quantity supplied of taxi rides is 79,200 (or 6 rides per taxi x
13,200 taxis). This is shown in the diagram with a vertical line at this quantity. Assume
that there are no government controls on the prices that drivers can charge for rides.
a. What would the equilibrium price and quantity be in this market if there were no
medallion requirement?
b. If there were no medallion requirement, indicate the area that represents consumer
surplus.
c. If there were no medallion requirement, indicate the area that represents producer
surplus.
d. If there were no medallion requirement, indicate the area that represents economic
surplus.
e. What are the price and quantity with the medallion requirement?
f. With a medallion requirement in place, what area represents consumer surplus?
g. With a medallion requirement in place, what area represents producer surplus?