Taxi
meter, the little electronic box installed next to the driver can keep
you on tenterhooks, the moment you hire the vehicle. As if the chatty or
dishonest driver is not enough who keeps deviating from the shortest
route, the taxi meter simultaneously starts showing its little tricks
too. Though every passenger knows that a taxi meter is an impartial
indicator of time and distance which attributes to the taxi fare
calculation, still many choose to ignore it. And many don’t understand
precisely how a meter works.
Understanding
the cab meter is not that difficult, provided you are aware of some
basic facts. Here we take a look at few such important information which
would come in handy during your next taxi ride.
Taxi Fare Calculator - Basic Criteria
The
cab meter basically measures distance the passenger travels and time.
Plus it also takes into account the waiting time. These measurements are
then converted into fares. Depending on the city or State, the taxi
fare basic structure varies. Some additional charges are levied for more
number of passengers or if the driver assists in handling the baggage.
The rate gets hiked if you are crossing States.
Common Fare Structure
The
most common fare structure that is usually applied is the simple pickup
charge. If you take a look at the initial taxi fares in different parts
of the United States you will find it mostly varies between $2.5 to
maximum $4. For instance if you board a taxi in San Mateo, CA the basic
charge is $3.10 and then for each mile traveled $3 will get added to the
initial fare. San Francisco passengers are charged an initial $3.50
while the rate is $3.00 for Richmond commuters.
Additional Charges
In
general additional surcharges are levied for peak-hour or night time
travel. Besides these the customer has to pay toll taxes for inter-state
traveling. On each cab ride, a certain sales-tax is also applied.
Taxi Meter Related Scams
An
accurate taxi meter should calculate the fare correctly. However there
are instances when a tampered meter shows an exorbitant figure.
Sometimes the driver remains responsible too in hiking the fare
unnecessarily. Sensing the passenger’s naivety he adopts not-so-direct
routes which result in inflated taxi fare. Even shocking to note that
some drivers just steer the cab in circles to increase the fare! All
these scams happen either because the passenger is unfamiliar about the
city roads or he is unaware of the taxi fare structure of that
particular location.
Solution
Some
simple measures can be adopted to keep a check on the taxi meter. If
you are visiting a new location then do enquire about that place’s taxi
rates like the initial charge and additional cost per mile. Keep a route
map ready to be sure that the driver is indeed following the shortest
route.
There
are many cab companies which deal with their customers fairly as they
believe in building reputation based on trust. Pick up such a taxi
service provider to pay the right fare.
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