If you live in a city and regularly catch a cab, you’ll know that there are many variables in what determines the cost of your journey.

When getting in a taxi, you will often wonder if they are a safe driver, will they be chatty, will they know the best route home.

However, the one thing that you always expect is a meter. The little black box is a regular sight for both customer and driver, ensuring that neither party gets ripped off.

What you might not know is that additional charges apply after certain times and at different times of the year.

How a taxi meter works

Understanding how a meter works will help put your mind at rest, especially if you’re catching one in an unfamiliar city.

There will always be variables and each will vary from city to city. For example, getting a taxi in Cardiff won’t be the same as getting one in London.

There will be different rates set by the local licensing authority. There is usually a drop/authorisation charge (the cost as soon as you enter the taxi), there will also be distance charge applied for when you reach your destination. A time charge will also be applied when a taxi stops or travels at slow speeds, for example, when you’re stuck in traffic or stop at red lights. You will only be charged one of those two at any one time.

In Cardiff for example, these hackney carriage tariffs are set by Cardiff Council’s licensing team.

According to the Cardiff Council’s website

For the first 103 yards (94.18metres) of the journey, you will be charged £2.50. This regardless if you travel less than that distance or further.
For each subsequent 195 yards, there is a charge of £0.20.
For each period that the taxi is still for 48 seconds, there is a charge of £0.20.

Other charges

Extra charges can be applied for hiring’s between midnight and 6.00am, and on Sundays and Bank Holidays. This charge is £1.
If you catch a taxi between 8.00pm Christmas Eve and 6.00am on 27^th December, and between 8.00pm New Year’s Eve and 6.00am on 2^nd January, there is a £3 charge.
If you go as a group, it may also cost you more too. For each passenger exceeding four, there is another charge of £1 each.
If you travel with a bicycle or baggage (minimum size 36” x 24” x 18”) and items of furniture, you will pay £0.50 for each item.

However, the extra night time charge on Sundays and Bank Holidays do not apply when the extra charge for Christmas and New Year’s Eve applies.

For the fouling of a vehicle, a charge of £50.00 can be applied. So, be careful on those nights out too…

Ultimately, the same journey may not always cost the same.

If you are catching a taxi after 8pm on New Year’s Eve (31st December), it’s a safe bet that your journey will cost you a few quid more.