5 Tips to Help Save Money on Taxi Fares
With the current cost of living crisis causing everyone to rethink their spending, we wanted to share some helpful tips for cutting costs on taxi fares.
Our own research has shown that certain parts of the UK experience much higher fares than others. For example, residents of Bedford pay £13.45 on average for a 5km journey, whereas those in Bradford only pay £3.75 for the same distance.
It’s the same across the world, too. Switzerland residents have to shell out the equivalent of £17.25 for a 5km taxi ride, while Egypt taxi companies charge 94p for the same distance.
So, whether you’re going on holiday soon or just want some money-saving advice for your taxi home from the pub, read our top tips for how to save money on taxi fares, below.
1. Compare local taxi prices
While it might be tempting to just jump in the first taxi you can hail down, your bank account may not thank you for your rash decision.
Instead, if you know you’re going to be travelling in a taxi ahead of time, ensure you research which companies offer the most affordable rates. Search on Google to find a list of local taxi companies and get a quote on your planned journey from each, either by ringing up or heading over to their website.
There are also many taxi fare comparison tools available online, which do the hard work for you. All you need to do is pick the company that offers the best prices for your journey. Easy!
2. Share your taxi
One simple way to save cash on your taxi journey is to split the fare with a fellow traveller.
If you’re travelling to a social event or are heading out to meet your friends, ask to share a taxi with another friend or someone else heading to the same location. By splitting that fare between two or three people, you will likely be paying less than other public transport while also being conveniently ferried from door to door.
3. Travel during non-peak hours
Much like with train and tram tickets, taxi fares differ depending on the time of day you travel.
In the UK, taxi day rates apply from 6am to 10pm, where companies can only charge a certain amount for waiting times and distance travelled. This maximum fare then increases from 10pm to 6am as taxi companies are in higher demand from people wanting lifts home from bars, pubs, and clubs. The higher maximum fare also applies all day on public bank holidays.
If it’s possible, avoid travelling during these busier hours. Not only can you save a couple of quid, but you’ll also spend less time waiting for your taxi to come and pick you up.
Bear in mind that each local council set their own maximum taxi fares that all taxi companies in the area must adhere to. You can find out these maximum fares by searching on your local council’s website.
4. Give directions to your driver
With the taximeter constantly adding more pounds to your final fare, every missed turn or long route is more money out of your wallet.
Many taxi drivers follow unfamiliar routes on a satnav, but that doesn’t mean you can’t lend a helping hand and save yourself some cash at the same time. If you’re getting a taxi home from work, for example, that’s a journey you know inside out. Don’t be afraid to guide your taxi driver through reliable shortcuts and less-congested roads.
The difference in final fares might only be minor, but those savings can add up over the subsequent weeks, months, and years.
5. Check for any special offers online
Before you start planning your journey, identify the taxi company you’re going to use, it’s always worth quickly checking for any relevant discounts online.
Select local taxi companies can offer discounts for their services, it’s simply a case of searching on Google or contacting the company directly. If you will be travelling regularly with this company over a short period of time, you can potentially negotiate a cheaper flat rate for all your journeys.
How to stay safe when using taxis abroad
Saving money is not the only concern when travelling abroad; you also want to ensure you’re safe when using taxi services in a foreign country.
For starters, you can book your taxis via your accommodation. When you’re in a foreign country, it’s tricky to know which taxi services are reliable. That’s why you should defer to the judgement of your hotel, hostel or Airbnb host, who will have a much better idea of local services to keep you safe.
If you are just going to hail a taxi in the street, you need to be vigilant. In the vehicle, there should always be a meter, a radio, and a badge on display that indicates the driver has a license. You can also keep an eye out for common taxi colours which are used in different countries.
Whether you are looking for a vehicle to start your own business or want to upgrade your fleet, The Taxi Centre has got you covered. Check out our collection of new and used taxis to find the right vehicles to keep your customers happy.