Fares, Meter Operation, Receipts and Payment Handling
How the meter works
The meter combines a flagfall covering the first 2 km with increments charged for every further 200 m travelled or every minute of waiting, whichever applies. Switch the meter on at the start of the hiring and off at the end; the fare shown is the fare payable. The current fare table must be displayed in the vehicle and the meter must carry a valid certificate of calibration. Tariffs are revised from time to time, so learn the structure and the current published figures together – an exam question will use the figures in force on the day of the test.
Surcharges and tolls
On top of the metered fare the passenger pays any tunnel or road toll actually incurred, the permitted charge for baggage carried in the luggage compartment, the permitted charge for animals, and any booking fee where the hire was arranged through a radio or app service. Small personal bags carried in the cabin are not charged. Never quote a flat price for a metered journey; a negotiated package fare is lawful only where the whole vehicle is hired in advance for an agreed journey or period.
Worked example
Urban taxi, 6 km, one suitcase, toll tunnel at $25. The flagfall covers the first 2 km. The remaining 4,000 m gives 4,000 ÷ 200 = 20 increments. Multiply 20 by the current per-increment rate, then add the baggage charge and the $25 toll. Do the increments first and the surcharges second – distractors usually leave one out.
Receipts and payment
On request, print a receipt from the meter showing the fare. Accept cash and the electronic payment methods the taxi is required to provide, and carry enough change.