Melbourne's public transport network features taxis, which are regulated by the Victorian Taxi Directorate. There are approximately 4,000 taxis in Melbourne and fares are charged using meters. These charges however are not always exactly the same, but are driven by factors like the time of day, distance travelled and type of automobile. Thus, you might be charged higher taxi fare if you travel on public vacations, late at night or if you travel with five or more people in the same taxi. The taxi fare also include the city's airport toll charges which is imposed on taxis.
For the various zones of Melbourne, the Victorian Taxi directorate revised the rates in 2008. Fares for the metropolitan and outer suburban zones include a fee of AU $ 3.20 when the meter is started, $1.167 per kilometer and 56.6 cents each minute (this is applicable if the taxi moves at a speed under 21 km per hour). When the number of passengers is between 5 and 11 or if an individual hires a bigger taxi, the charges per kilometer are $2.42 and 85 cents each minute irrespective of the number of passengers. Additional charges are usually calculated automatically and include $2.00 for telephone reservation and late night (midnight to 5 am surcharge 20%. Nonetheless, the late night surcharge does not apply during holiday intervals. These days includes Christmas, Boxing Days and New Year.
The taxi fare charges for regular taxis carrying as much as four passengers in Ballarat, Geelong and Bendigo areas are $3.20 as soon as the meter is started, $1.634 per kilometre and 57.2 cents each minute for speeds under 21 km per hour. Charges for 5-11 passengers or hiring bigger than regular taxis are $2.451 per kilometre and 85.8 cents each minute. For late night reservation and telephone reservation, an further $3.00 and $2.10 are charged respectively.
Charges for areas outside of Melbourne's metro and outer suburban locations include $3.30 flat rate, $1.67 per kilometre and 58.5 cents each minute for speed under 21 km per hour. In case you hire a taxi between 10 pm and 5 am, the rates are prepaid. You will pay a deposit when you board the taxi and pay the rest as displayed on the meter once you arrive at your destination.
At the beginning of your trip, the driver estimates the amount of fare with an authorized calculator and charges you a deposit. You can pay this amount by money or visa or master card. At the conclusion of your trip, the meter will display all the other charges. The driver will reimburse the balance if the amount is under your prepaid deposit or will require you to top up if the amount surpasses your deposit.
Since all taxis in Melbourne are required to be installed with an electronic payment facility, you can pay your taxi fare with your visa or master card. The passengers should get an invoice whenever they use a taxi irrespective of the payment method. Your receipt must clearly display details like the driver certification number, taxi number, date and a breakdown of the charges. Melbourne taxis also allow multiple hiring in which passengers can agree to hire one taxi if they are going to exactly the same general direction.
