Wondering if it's worth booking a taxi with a fixed price? This method of travel is gaining popularity, especially in situations where cost predictability is key.
This way you avoid unpleasant surprises related to traffic jams or detours. However, is this option beneficial in every situation? Check what is worth paying attention to before you decide on this service.
How does the fixed price taxi option work?
Booking a taxi with a fixed price is a service that gives the passenger full control over the cost of the trip. Unlike traditional taxis, where the price depends on the distance traveled and the travel time, in this case the price is known before the trip begins.
This eliminates the risk of unexpected costs resulting from traffic jams, detours or longer travel times.
This solution is offered by popular mobile applications such as Uber , Bolt, iTaxi or FreeNow , in which the cost of the trip is calculated based on the route, predicted road conditions and current traffic.
Although the fixed price is guaranteed, please note that in exceptional cases, such as route changes, added stops or longer waiting time for a passenger, the price may increase.
In addition, during mass events or rush hours, some applications use dynamic tariffs , where costs can increase several times, which can make the ride more expensive than in standard conditions.
Despite these limitations, a fixed price can be particularly cost-effective for long routes, such as to the airport, where there is a higher risk of delays due to traffic jams.
This is a convenient solution for people who value predictability, especially when they do not want to worry about cost increases resulting from unforeseen circumstances.
Is it possible to order a traditional taxi with a fixed price option?
You're probably wondering whether fixed pricing is only available on apps like Uber or Bolt , or whether it's also possible to order a traditional taxi with a guaranteed price.
It turns out that some classic taxi companies offer a similar service, especially in large cities where competition between carriers is high.
In such cases, a fixed price can be agreed with the customer when booking a ride over the phone. Simply provide the exact pickup and destination when ordering a taxi, and the dispatcher will provide you with an estimated cost.
When catching a taxi at a taxi rank, you can also ask for a guaranteed price; many taxi drivers agree to this option because it perfectly protects the interests of both parties.
Moreover, some taxi companies allow you to set a fixed price for long-distance bookings, such as airport transfers or intercity transfers.
It is worth remembering, however, that this option is less popular than in the case of mobile apps. Most traditional taxis still use a taximeter, which charges a fee based on the time and distance of the trip.
iTaxi , which operates both as a mobile app and a traditional taxi company, also offers a guaranteed price option, but mainly in its app version.
Is it worth choosing a fixed-price taxi?
The decision to choose a fixed-price taxi depends on several factors that are worth considering.
First of all, this option is particularly beneficial when you expect traffic disruptions, e.g. during rush hour, during bad weather conditions, or on long routes where traffic jams may occur.
In these situations, a fixed price protects you from unforeseen fare increases, which can significantly increase the cost of a ride in standard taxis.
A fixed price can also be useful when you are traveling in a city you are not familiar with. With a guaranteed price, you do not have to worry about the driver extending the route unnecessarily, which could increase the fees.
By choosing taxi companies that offer a guaranteed price for rides , you not only have certainty of the price, but also the opportunity to compare offers from different carriers. However, this option is not always the most profitable.
It is worth remembering that for short journeys, especially during off-peak hours, the fixed price may be higher than the standard meter cost.
Dynamic fares in apps can also make a ride in the evenings or during mass events more expensive than a traditional taxi.
As you can see, a fixed-price taxi is a good choice for people who value cost predictability and avoid unexpected fees, especially on long routes or in situations where traffic jams are unavoidable.
In other cases, especially for short journeys, it is worth comparing different options and checking whether a traditional taxi or a metered fare would be more profitable for you.
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