Cab fares !

An NRMA report has raised an interesting subject.   The way cab fares continue to increase when the vehicle gets stuck in one of Sydney's famous traffic jams !

It's something that regular cab users must face from time to time.  Most people have an estimate of what they expect it will cost to travel by taxi from point A to point B.   The taxi meter takes into account two factors - distance travelled - and time elapsed.     When the vehicle remains stationery - that " time elapsed " continues to tick away, and if the delay is extended it can reach a frightening amount.

The NRMA complains that cab companies fail to make use of the extensive road reports that are available to avoid road congestion and rely on the comments radioed in by drivers - who usually are already snared in traffic and are not moving.

The problem raises a host of options that regular cab users would be wise to consider.   One of these would be to cut your losses, pay the driver for the amount owing and leave the stalled cab and find another way to get to your destination.    Of course, reaching that decision relies on a whole bunch of other factors - such as precisely where you are at that time.    That strategy would not work if you find yourself stalled in the middle of the tunnel under the harbour !

It could be the solution if the jam is right in the city centre.   Walk a few blocks and you may have by-passed the cause of the problem and there is always the alternative of accessing the rail system to complete your journey.    The amount of money you have available to pay an extended fare will also dictate the options,

Perhaps the best way to avoid a horrendous bill would be to negotiate with the driver.   You certainly have the right to pay what is owing and cancel the journey, but then the cab and it's driver will remain stuck until the traffic clears.   Most reasonable people can reach an " arrangement " that suits both parties.   Particularly so, when it involves a "  loss " negotiated to suit the circumstances prevailing.  

In some overseas cities cab fares are not based on meters but involve a " negotiated price " between the driver and passenger.   A passenger may approach several vacant cabs, announce the intended destination - and await competitive price offers to transport that journey.     That seems to come into play here, on peak demand times such as just after midnight on New Year's eve.   On those occasions it is " reverse bidding ".   Passengers are increasing their fare offer to gain the use of a depleted number of available cabs.

It all seems a strange mix of transport philosophy.   When all forms of traffic comes to a stop, passengers on public transport are not asked to pay an additional fare, but they may be made to wait a very long time to continue their journey.    Hiring a private conveyance brings time/distance into the price equation, which may be terminated at any time.      The wise traveller would have in mind the various options before the start of the journey - and act swiftly to achieve the best results !