Traffic delays have a direct impact on fares because when taxicabs operate at speeds slower than 15 miles per hour, taximeters use a 50 cents per minute time charge, instead of the $2 per mile distance charge. For example, a 40-minute delay would add $20 to the fare.
Ordinance 121131, adopted by the City Council in April 2003, authorizes the director of the Department of Executive Administration to temporarily suspend the flat rate from the downtown hotel district to
“Time charges are programmed into taximeters to more fairly compensate taxicab drivers for providing service in heavy traffic conditions, such as rush hour traffic or event traffic. If there were no time charge, taxicab drivers could avoid working certain areas or times and seriously limit the availability of taxicab service,” explained Craig Leisy, manager of the consumer affairs unit. Taximeters are regularly tested and sealed by
The flat rate between the downtown hotel district and
Taxicab passengers going to the airport during the I-5 closures are encouraged to share trips and the fares, or try to plan airport trips during off-peak hours when traffic may be lighter.
