Do taxi drivers charge people by how far in distance they go or by how much time it takes to go somewhere?

Question

Do taxi drivers charge people by how far in distance they go or by how much time it takes to go somewhere? Including your experiences in riding on a taxi, would be appreciated!

I've never taken a taxi before, and I am just curious of how they charge people per a ride.

Answer 1

I am a taxi driver (retired) from a small town in Western Canada. The way the company I worked for used a meter system. The meters worked on the revolutions the wheels made while in motion. IE. $5.00 a mile and when not in motions. Waiting for a stop light for example. the meter went into a clock mode and the meter advanced $.50 every 14 or 15 seconds. The meter would start at &2.50 before the car would begin to move or as soon as the meter was turned on. There are also times when a deal could be made to to a run at a flat rate without the meter. But that is quit rare.

Here is hoping that this will help you understand

Answer 2

It depends on where, but usually there is a flat fee for getting into the cab, plus x charge per 1/8 mile traveled, plus x charge for every minute stopped in traffic.

Answer 3

both.  the counter goes up for every kilometere (or mile) they drive, and also every minute your trip goes for.  b******s.

Answer 4

I think it's sorta both. I have been sitting in traffic in a taxi and watched the meter roll.

Also, there is an Airport Surcharge for rides originating at the airport.

Answer 5

Distance.  There is usually a minimum charge even for a short distance.

Tips for good service about 20%

Answer 6

it is both. meter goes faster when driving, slower when idle.

Answer 7

In New York, Yellow (medallion) cabs have meters, and charge you by the mile.  They also have private cabs where they set a rate from Point A to Point B without a meter.

Answer 8

it depends.  

I used to take a trip in a taxi once a week- the same distance.

At one time we were delayed by a huge traffic jam and by the time we got to our destination, the fare was twice as much as it had been any other time I took the trip.

Since it was a driver that ran me on that trip often she allowed me to pay the fare that I had regularly paid in the past.

I guess it just depends on the driver but usually the meter just runs from the start of the trip to the end of it, regardless of red lights, traffic jams, or any other traffic delays.

I don't guess it happens very often but a few years ago, my husband and I were going to go out for our anniversary-  Our car would not start and we had to call a cab at the last minute to get to our destination.  

When we got to our destination, the driver told us that the ride was free and happy anniversary!  I thought that was pretty sweet!