If you are new to a big city, or simply visiting, the idea of taxis might be foreign to you. Surrounded by people who rely on cabs for transportation can be a little intimidating. You probably have many questions. How do I flag down a cab? How much do I tip? Do cab fares vary throughout the day? Do I share a cab with a stranger?
The very basics of what you will need to know is how much a cab charges. Since different cabs charge in different ways, it is important to know what to expect.
How Cab Fares Are Calculated
Generally speaking, most cabs will charge you a small entry fee into the cab. They will then charge you a certain amount of money per mile or kilometer or a certain amount of money for each minute you are using the cab. This is why cab trips can be pricey, even when you are not traveling a far distance. You also have to figure a tip of about 10 to 20 percent into your budget.
The rates that a cab driver charges can vary from city to city. Some of the biggest cities in the United States (i.e. New York, Boston, etc.) carry a significantly higher rate.
Do Cab Fares Vary Throughout The Day?
While the rates the cab driver is charging you likely will not go up or down depending on the time of day, there are certain times where your fare will increase just based on traffic conditions.
If you jump in a cab at rush hour and need to travel five blocks in one direction, you might still pay a high fare because of traffic. As you sit in traffic, the meter continues to count the minutes, tacking on more and more expense. If you were to take this same trip during a time where traffic was not bad, you’d pay a lot less.
Find A Taxi Service In Your Area
You don’t have to live in a big city to have access to a taxi service. Visit TalkLocal, and we’ll connect you with a taxi service in your area. Our service is fast, free, and very convenient.
