Taxis

[dodgymanc]

Are there any taxi drivers reading? In which case...what factors decide on the taxi fare? Is it worked out by mileage, time, number of passengers etc? Are there different settings for the meter?

Thanks!

[rinkytink]

At first it is important to differentiate between Licensed Taxi's (that you can hail from the street) and Private Hire vehicle (which must be booked via an office). Private hire vehicles can set their own rates, but these are usually similar to those of Licensed Taxis.

All Licensed Taxis in any City or Town are regulated by the Council. They will usually have three tariffs - one for the day time, one for the night time and one for Bank holidays. The tariff will state that it will cost you x amount to travel the first amount of metres or amount of time. It will then state that it will cost you x amount for each additional amount of metres or time. Here is an example:

 

TARIFF 1 - DAYTIME & BASIC FARE
For hirings between 0700 and 2200
�1.80 (minimum charge) for the first 146.7
yards (134 metres) or 36 seconds or
part thereof
10p for each additional 146.7 yards (134
metres) or 36 seconds or part thereof
until the fare reaches �9.00
10p thereafter for each 96.78 yards (89
metres) or 24 seconds or part thereof.

 

TARIFF 2 - NIGHT TIME & SUNDAYS
For hirings between 2200 and 0700
and on Sundays
�2.30 (minimum charge) for the first 146.7
yards (134 metres) or 36 seconds or
part thereof
10p for each additional 146.7 yards (134
metres) or 36 seconds or part thereof
until the fare reaches �9.50
10p thereafter for each 97.78 yards (89
metres) or 24 seconds or part thereof.

 

TARIFF 3 - BANK & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
For hirings on bank and public holidays the
fare will be at TARIFF 1 RATE PLUS 50%
To include 1800-2400 on Christmas Eve, 0000-
0600 on 27 December, 1800-2400 New Year's
Eve and 0000-0600 on 2 January
NOTE - TARIFF 1 (PROGRESSIVE AFTER 6
MILES) AND NIGHT/SUNDAY RATES WILL
NOT APPLY

[rinkytink]

 

The meter does most of the work by charging for distance travelled, time taken and automatically
recognises night time, Sundays and Bank Holidays.


There will also be approved extra charges such as carrying more than two passengers, entering a military base, fouling the cab etc. These changes are in addition to the basic fare.

I forgot to add that Private Hire's don't have to have a metre.

In short then, all of the factors you highlight can have an impact on any fare.

 

[brachiopod]

I think they (licensed cabs) charge for 'items of bulky luggage'.

I take it this means a large suitcase or whatever that has to go in the boot. Not a handbag, briefcase or that Kwiksave plastic bag with your can of Special Brew in.