Taxi pricing

Question

Do the taxis have meters in them?

I took a taxi from airport to hotel near airport (less than 10 minute drive) and it was $35. I thought it was slightly over priced when I could go all of the way downtown for $38. He made an almost annoyed/angry comment when he dropped

me off that it wasn’t worth his time. I also found it strange that when it went through on my credit card it was a name and not the cab company. There was no meter running either.

Just wanted to see if this was normal or not. I will say it left

me feeling not so great. I went downtown for less money from my hotel.

Answer

It sounds like your taxi experience in Atlanta was not the best, and there are a few things to address regarding the situation. Generally, in Atlanta, taxi pricing can vary based on the distance, traffic, and whether the cab is using a meter or a flat rate, especially for airport transfers. Here's some information to clarify your experience:

Metered Taxis in Atlanta: Most traditional taxis in Atlanta do have meters, and the fare should be calculated based on the distance traveled and time spent in the vehicle. However, there are instances where the driver may not use the meter, and instead charge a flat rate. Airport taxis are typically supposed to use a meter, but some taxis may offer a flat rate to specific destinations, especially to nearby areas or hotels near the airport.

Airport to Hotel Rates: For trips from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, there is usually a flat rate to popular destinations nearby, such as hotels near the airport. The flat rate might be higher than what the meter would show for a short ride. However, the rate you were charged for a less than 10-minute ride seems on the high side, especially if it was a flat rate and no meter was running.
Credit Card Payment and Taxi Names: It's common for taxis to use a third-party processing system for credit card payments, which may explain the strange name on your charge. Some taxi drivers use mobile payment systems, which can process payments through different companies, not directly through the cab company. However, it should have been clear to you as the customer who you were paying.

Driver Behavior: The driver’s comment about the ride not being worth his time is concerning, and it’s understandable that it left you feeling uncomfortable. Taxi drivers are expected to maintain professionalism and customer service standards. They should not express frustration in this way, especially if the fare was within a reasonable range. If you had issues with the driver’s behavior, it would be good to file a complaint with the taxi company or through the city's transportation authority.

Is this Normal?: While taxis in Atlanta generally follow the established meter system, there are a few instances where flat rates or other arrangements might come into play, particularly for short trips near the airport. However, charging $35 for such a short distance does seem excessive. You may have been charged more than usual due to a flat rate or the driver not using the meter. For future trips, here are some options to consider:

Ask Before Getting In: It’s a good idea to ask the driver about the fare structure before getting in the taxi, especially for airport trips. You can ask if the fare is metered or flat rate, and what the expected cost will be.
Consider Ridesharing Services: In Atlanta, services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and often offer more transparency regarding pricing. You can compare prices up front before booking, which may provide a better and more consistent experience than traditional taxis.
Keep Track of Your Receipt: Always ask for a receipt for any taxi ride, especially if you pay with a credit card. If anything seems off or if you're charged incorrectly, the receipt will be helpful if you need to dispute the charge or report the issue.

Conclusion: While it’s not typical to experience an issue like this, it does sound like there were some irregularities with the pricing and the driver’s behavior. If you find that the ride was much more expensive than it should have been, consider reporting the incident to the taxi company. For future trips, using rideshare apps or confirming fare details upfront can help avoid surprises.

Taxi pricing

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