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Who knows the ins & outs of the taxi cab business? About two weeks ago, I took a 10-mile taxi ride in my own metro area (USA/midwest) and the fare was almost $50.00 (w/tip it was $50). I was very surprised by that high amount. In all of the international locations I have been, I have noticed that cab fare was much more reasonable. The least expensive taxi ride I have had was in Mexico City. I thought cabs were reasonable in New York City. Even London and Paris didn't seem over the top to me. I've done some Googling of this topic and read a little bit about it. But I was wondering if anyone on the C-D forum is actually in this business and can explain why taxi rates vary so much.
Most cabs I have ridden in charge on average $2.50 per mile. And there is the $2 to $4 you pay just getting in the cab. This all adds up to less than $30. However you also pay for every fraction of a minute you sit at traffic lights. This can run $.50 to $1 per minute. During rush hour this can really add up. There are other charges that may or may not apply in your case. Cabs often have an additional charge if more than one person gets into the cab. If you are going to/from the airport it will cost you a couple more dollars.
Then again it is always possible the cab driver padded the bill. Slip in a couple extra turns and all of a sudden that 10 mile trip is now a 12 mile trip.
Cabs are cheaper where they are more common. What was the base fare and per mile fare of the cab you took?
Off hand, I don't remember the base fare per mile. All I know is that comparatively speaking, fares in other countries seemed a lot less than in my hometown.
I've taken countless taxis in Mexico City for varying distances. Some were as little as 30 pesos (about $2 USD) for about 2 miles all the way up to 350 pesos for 10+ miles (about $27 USD). Apparently, down there the taxi drivers charge higher taxi rates for middle of the night rides when buses aren't running. But even then, it was more affordable, not to mention convenient. Taxi "sitios" are everywhere and taking a cab is a normal way for people to get around in that city.
Who knows the ins & outs of the taxi cab business? About two weeks ago, I took a 10-mile taxi ride in my own metro area (USA/midwest) and the fare was almost $50.00 (w/tip it was $50). I was very surprised by that high amount. In all of the international locations I have been, I have noticed that cab fare was much more reasonable. The least expensive taxi ride I have had was in Mexico City. I thought cabs were reasonable in New York City. Even London and Paris didn't seem over the top to me. I've done some Googling of this topic and read a little bit about it. But I was wondering if anyone on the C-D forum is actually in this business and can explain why taxi rates vary so much.
That's what it would cost here in Chile, if not more.
It wasn't much cheaper in Colombia but I would say cheaper in Argentina. India was certainly cheapest.
I agree with the other person that mentioned that it has to do with supply and demand. Taxis are super expensive here in San Diego, similar to what you paid. Not many people use them though.
In Tijuana and many parts of Mexico, it is more affordable because alot of people depend on them. It is a competitive business.
I have also ridden many taxis in Brazil and Spain, they were not that expensive as far as I can remember. Well I lived in Spain and they were pretty affordable.
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