How much should a taxi ride cost?

How to set taxi ride prices?

First of all, fixed prices set by city councils do not reflect the dynamic changes in demand, price variations, and block the possibility of competition among taxi companies. Such a solution is simply non-market. Drivers and companies should be able to adjust their rates based on location, pricing strategy, and the current market situation. Uber and Bolt have this flexibility, but traditional taxis often remain under city management’s control. This is unfair.

Secondly, there’s the issue of rising prices. Today, the cost of a haircut, a massage, or a meal at a restaurant rises due to inflation, labor costs, and material prices. So why should taxi rides be any different? Taxi drivers also face higher fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, insurance, and licensing fees. It's also important to remember that taxi work often involves night shifts, weekends, and holidays—conditions that should be fairly compensated.

The third important issue is the change in customers' approach to service quality. Using cheap ride-hailing platforms often does not guarantee the same level of safety or comfort as traditional taxi services. Experienced taxi drivers know their city like the back of their hand, can offer advice, help, and provide professional service—something you may not always get from new drivers working with apps like Uber or Bolt.

Therefore, it is crucial that taxi service prices are fair, flexible, and adapted to market realities. Only then can both customer satisfaction and fair working conditions for drivers be ensured.