When Do Taxis Charge Double?
You might be wondering about this question sometimes, when do taxis charge double?
It is very important to understand about double taxi fares for those who use taxi services frequently.
If you are riding late at night, travelling on a public holiday, or travelling with a large group, knowing these times will help you avoid unexpected price increases.
Let’s examine specific situations where taxi fares can double, and let me offer tips on how to manage your taxi expenses effectively.
When Do Taxis Charge Double?
Late Night and Early Morning Hours
The most common times when taxis are double charged are late at night and early in the morning.
These hours are usually between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am. These are known as uncoordinated hours, and very few drivers prefer to work during these times. As a result, demand increases and prices continue to rise.
For example, taxis in the Braintree area of the UK can charge double on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am on Boxing Day.
This policy reflects the increased demand and limited availability of drivers during special working hours.
Public Holidays
Bank holidays are another important time when taxis can charge double fees.
During Christmas, New Year and other major holidays, some taxi services charge a ‘bank holiday surcharge’.
This is due to the reduced availability of drivers and increased demand for taxis during festivals.
For example, taxis in East Ayrshire, UK are allowed to charge double fees from midnight on 31 December until 6:00 am on 2 January.
This policy is designed to compensate drivers who work during peak demand hours when more drivers are busy celebrating.
Special Events
Taxi fares may also double during special events such as major festivals, concerts, or sporting events.
During these events, demand for taxis increases significantly, and drivers charge higher rates for the increased workload and extended hours.
For example, taxi fares in some cities increase on New Year’s Eve due to high demand.
In some areas, taxi drivers are legally allowed to double their rates during these events, to reflect the high demand.
Understanding Peak Hours and Surcharges
Weekday Peak Hours
Taxi services often charge higher fares during peak hours, which typically occur during weekday mornings and evenings. In some regions, these peak hours are defined as:
- Morning Peak: 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM
- Evening Peak: 6:00 PM to Midnight
During these times, a surcharge of around 25% is added to the metered fare. This increase reflects the higher demand for taxis as people commute to and from work.
Weekend and Public Holiday Peak Hours
In addition to weekday peak hours, weekends and public holidays also see increased taxi fares. In some areas, new peak periods have been introduced, such as:
- Weekend Peak: 10:00 AM to 1:59 PM
- Extended Evening Peak: 5:00 PM to 11:59 PM
These surcharges, often around 25% of the metered fare, are designed to manage the higher demand during weekends and holidays.
Late Night Surcharge
Late-night surcharges are common in many taxi services around the world. Fares between midnight and 6:00 a.m. are generally subject to a 50% surcharge.
This surcharge compensates drivers for working off-peak hours, thus doubling the fare during those hours.
How the Number of Passengers Affects Taxi Fares
The number of passengers in a taxi can also influence the fare. Here’s how it works:
Standard Fares for Fewer Passengers
For taxis carrying four or fewer passengers, standard fare rates generally apply. This is the most common and cheapest rental structure.
Increased Charges for More Passengers
When a taxi is carrying five or more passengers, different tariffs may apply. In some regions:
- Braintree, UK: Taxis licensed to carry five or more passengers can charge Tariff 2 for journeys with five or more passengers and Tariff 3 for late-night or public holiday journeys.
- East Ayrshire, UK: An additional charge of £2 per passenger applies for each passenger beyond four.
These increased charges account for the larger vehicle needed to accommodate more passengers and the additional workload for the driver.
Impact of Vehicle Type on Taxi Fares
The type of vehicle used for a taxi journey can significantly impact the fare.
Here’s how:
Saloon vs. People Carrier Vehicles
Different vehicles come with different fare structures. For example:
- Saloon Cars: Typically used for standard fares with four passengers or fewer.
- People Carriers: Larger vehicles that can seat five to eight passengers often come with higher fares. These vehicles are necessary for larger groups, especially during peak times or public holidays.
Vehicle Size and Luggage Capacity
Larger vehicles that offer more storage space often have higher base prices.
This is especially true for airport transfers or long-haul flights, where passengers are carrying significant luggage.
Executive and Tour Services
In some areas, such as Northern Ireland, taxi drivers are not required to use a taximeter when offering ‘executive’ or ‘tour’ services.
This allows negotiating the fare, which depends on the type of vehicle and the nature of the service. This often results in higher charges for luxury or special services.
Specific Days When Taxis Charge Double
Certain days of the year are more likely to see double taxi fares.
These include:
Late Night and Early Morning Hours
As mentioned earlier, we often see significant increases in hourly rates.
Due to the inhospitable nature, there are fewer drivers on the road at these times, which increases demand and drives up prices.
Public Holidays
During public holidays such as Christmas, New Year’s and other important celebrations, taxi fares are often charged double.
This is due to the limited availability of drivers and sometimes high demand for transportation.
Special Events
Taxi fares also increase during major events such as concerts, festivals or sporting events.
Demand for taxis can be high during these events, which is why drivers charge more to handle the increased workload.
What Is Tariff 3 and When Is It Applied?
Tariff 3 is a higher taxi fare that is applied under certain circumstances, often late at night, on public holidays, or during peak travel times.
Here’s when Tariff 3 is typically used:
Late Night and Early Morning Hours
- Braintree, UK: Tariff 3 applies for vehicles carrying five or more passengers between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
- Falkirk, Scotland: Tariff 3 (which is 100% higher than Tariff 1) applies from 9:00 PM on December 24th to 6:00 AM on December 27th, and from 9:00 PM on December 31st to 6:00 AM on January 3rd.
Public Holidays
- Buckinghamshire, UK: Tariff 3 is valid for any hiring on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day.
Higher Passenger Count
- Braintree, UK: Tariff 3 is charged for journeys with five or more passengers, especially during late-night hours or public holidays.
Understanding when Tariff 3 is applied can help you anticipate higher fares and plan your travel accordingly.
How to Manage Your Taxi Expenses
Although taxi fares can double in certain circumstances, these tips will help you manage your taxi expenses:
- Plan Your Journey in Advance
If possible, avoid travelling during late night hours, public holidays and special events. You can avoid surcharges by planning trips outside of peak hours.
- Check Surcharges
Before booking a taxi, please check with the service provider whether any surcharges apply, especially during peak hours or when travelling with large groups.
- Use Alternative Means of Transport
Consider using public transport or ride-sharing services during peak hours or public holidays to avoid high taxi fares.
- Book With a Reliable Service
Use a reputable taxi service that offers transparent pricing.
Some services, such as ours, offer fixed prices and clear information about surcharges, making your travel budget affordable and hassle-free.
Summary
It is very important to understand when taxi double charges to avoid unexpected expenses and manage your travel budget effectively.
If you’re travelling late at night, on a public holiday, or during a special event, knowing the factors that affect taxi fares will help you plan better and make informed decisions.
For those looking for reliable and transparent taxi services in London or the UK, we offer competitive prices, professional drivers, and a clear pricing structure.
If you need to ride during peak times or are planning a trip with a large group, Ukride makes sure you have everything you need to know in advance, helping you travel with confidence and peace of mind.
