The overall cost of living seems to have increased overnight; the same is true for transportation costs. You might be looking at ways to curb all sorts of additional spending, which is why cutting costs on taxi fares is so important.
The tariff or fare in different parts of the UK varies, depending on the county. Metropolitan and non-metropolitan counties have different set tariffs, and knowing that can help you make better decisions.
Whether you are travelling for business, pleasure, or as part of your routine, there are ways to reduce the associated costs. Today, we will share some effective tips to save money on taxi fares.
Compare Local Taxi Prices
Local authorities set the maximum chargeable fare for taxis. Different tariff rates are set for different days and times and the length of the journey. Licensed companies and independent taxi drivers can only charge within that specific limit.
However, some companies and drivers might charge less than others or offer special discounts. To make the most economical decision, compare the local taxi prices.
Instead of waiting till the last minute to call a cab, search online for a list of local taxi companies. Ask for quotes for your destination and compare the rates they provide.
Searching ahead of time prevents you from hiring a comparatively more expensive taxi, and you don’t have to do it manually, either. Online tools such as taxipricecompare.co.uk will compare the rates for you.
Private Hire Vehicles set their own fares. They may or may not use a fitted meter to calculate the fare. At Go Comfort, we inform our clients of the estimated fare for their journey to avoid disputes.
Taxi-Pooling
Another simple way to reduce your taxi fare is by sharing your taxi with a fellow traveller. You can use a carpooling app to find people taking the same route or share the taxi with another friend.
Even sharing the taxi with one person will split your bill in half.
Set Your Route and Destination
Since taxi fares change when your cab goes beyond the boundary of your city or town, you may end up paying a lot. The best thing to do is set your route and don’t change the course of the journey mid-way.
Your driver will inform you of the estimated tariff beforehand, so you know exactly how much the ride will cost. If you are travelling from home to work or a route you are familiar with, give directions to your driver. You can save a couple of pounds by taking shortcuts and avoiding traffic jams.
Utilise Non-Peak Hours
Taxi day rates differ for the distance travelled compared to the rates for busier hours post 10 PM. To save money, travel during non-peak hours and call the taxi service in advance.
Pre-booking is also a good way to avoid the hassle of waiting for your cab.
Availing of Special Offers and Discounts
You can check online for discounted rides or special offers of the season. As a frequent traveller or regular client, you can negotiate your fare, or the company may offer you a discounted coupon.
Go Comfort is a top-rated taxi service operating round-the-clock in Southampton. Book a ride with us for airport and Southampton cruise transfer.