Q1T |
How much will a taxicab trip cost me? |
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A1T |
It depends. You can figure approximately $2.25 per mile with a initial $2 when the meter is first activated (called the drop rate). The PTC sets a maximum amount the taxicabs are allowed to charge. The respective companies can set their taxicab meters at a lesser rate if they choose but, not more. Additionally, a trip to and from the airport from the downtown area should be a $22 flat rate. If you are moving in and around the downtown area to include Ybor City and Hyde park, it will be $3 per person for most trips. |
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Q2T |
Do all taxicabs operate with a meter? |
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A2T |
They must all have a taximeter. If they do not, they are not a PTC licensed taxicab. In some instances, such as a direct trip to and from the airport from the downtown area, they are not required to operate the meter and charge a set flat rate. |
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Q3T |
How does the taxi meter work? |
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A3T |
When you first get into a taxicab for a trip, the driver starts the meter and an initial charge is indicated. This is called the "drop" rate and the term comes from when a flag was dropped on the older model meters. The maximum rate allowed for the drop is $2 and it includes the first 1/5 of a mile. Every 1/5 of a mile from that point on, a maximum of $.45 is added. This equates to $2.25 per mile. If you ask a driver to "wait" somewhere such as at a store, he then begins to charge $.30 per minute max ($18 per hour) for waiting. Generally, if you are concerned about how much a total rate will be, multiply the total mileage by $2.25 and you will get a close estimate. |
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Q4T |
How does the Airport Flat Rate work? |
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A4T |
If a customer is traveling from the Tampa International Airport terminal, red or blue side, and is going to the "In Town Short Ride Zone" as depicted on the map inside the taxicab, the driver is to charge a flat $22 and not run the meter. Also from the "In Town Short Ride Zone" to the airport, the same $22 flat rate is applied. The customer may tip on top of that if warranted. This is designed for "no stops". If a customer is headed either way and intends to ask for a stop, the driver should run the meter from the beginning. |
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Q5T |
How does this "In Town Short Ride Zone" work? |
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A5T |
The zone is depicted on a map inside the taxicab and generally includes the downtown area plus Hyde Park and Ybor City. If the trip begins and ends inside the zone, the driver is allowed to charge $3 per head for passengers over 12 and not run the meter. If only one passenger, the driver is allowed to charge either a meter rate or $3, whichever is best for the driver. The rule is intended to give taxicab operators an incentive to provide more and better service to those taking short trips in and around the downtown area. |
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Q6T |
Can a taxicab operator charge a flat rate versus the meter rate? |
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A6T |
With two exceptions (airport-downtown flat rate and in-town short ride flat rate), the driver is required to run the meter. The driver may quote and charge a rate less than the meter but must run the meter. If the meter rate ends up being less than the quoted flat rate, the lesser rate must be charged. When leaving or traveling to Tampa International Airport, if the meter rate reads less than $10 the driver may charge $10. |
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Q7T |
During special events such as Gasparilla, can a taxicab operator charge more? |
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A7T |
No. Taxicabs may charge $3 per person if the run starts and ends in the In Town Short Ride Zone. Otherwise, the meter rate applies. (Except the $22 flat rate to and from the airport from downtown). |
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Q8T |
Can I use a credit card when taking a taxicab? |
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A8T |
You should make an inquiry prior to taking the taxicab if you have a concern. The PTC rules do not address this issue but, it is generally a widely accepted practice. Most companies stress the acceptance of credit cards. Be aware that due to the increasing problems with credit card theft and misuse, the drivers are becoming more and more cautious and may elect to perform pre-service card verifications or may be delayed while post trip card verifications are obtained. Also you should also know that the drivers are not allowed to charge you extra because you are using the card. |
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Q9T |
Can the taxicab driver refuse to take me as a customer? |
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A9T |
By rule, if you are orderly and willing to pay (in advance if requested), the driver cannot refuse you. Orderly is a subjective word and it generally means you are not a threat to harm the driver or the vehicle, you are not committing a crime, and you are generally well behaved. The driver may refuse you if you do not fit this description. |
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Q10T |
Does my child need a child seat if we are riding in a taxicab? |
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A10T |
Florida Statutes make no exception for the laws in this area. If the child requires a child seat in a normal automobile, one is also needed in a taxicab. It is highly recommended that you take your child seat with you when you travel. |
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Q11T |
If I accidently leave something in a taxicab, what should I do? |
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A11T |
You should call the taxicab company immediately. The drivers are instructed to return items to the company but, sometimes, they do not know the item(s) are still in the vehicle. It will help if you know the taxicab number plus when and where you were picked up. If you do not get satisfactory results, contact the Office of the PTC. |
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Q12T |
Who should I complain to if I have a problem with a taxicab? |
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A12T |
You should contact the company and if you are not satisfied, contact the Office of the PTC. You may also use the "contact us" portion of this web site. Please note the number of the taxicab along with the time and date of the problem. If possible, you should also check the Public Vehicle Driver's License of the driver to obtain the name. |
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Q13T |
Can I smoke in a taxicab? |
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A13T |
Some drivers have established their vehicle as a non-smoking taxicab and the PTC supports this. This is because some are allergic to smoke and could become ill. Some do not want their vehicle to smell of smoke. The driver, by rule, is not permitted to smoke while a passenger is in the vehicle. |
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Q14T |
Why do I only see United Cab and Yellow Cab at Tampa International Airport most of the time? |
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A14T |
Tampa International Airport has a contract with these two companies to serve the red and blue sides of the terminal for arrivals. Other companies may pick up at the airport but have to park in the garage to do so. |
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Q15T |
Where can I find a taxicab if I can't telephone for one? |
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A15T |
There are taxicab stands located in various places where you generally take the first one in line. You can normally find taxicabs waiting at the major hotels, the airport, the cruise terminals, the bus station, the malls and other places where people congregate. |
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Q16T |
Can I "flag down" a taxicab as it moves down the street? |
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A16T |
This area is not generally considered a "flagging" taxicab market. Most taxicabs are either dispatched to a specific location or wait at the taxicab stands. It is not prohibited to "flag" a taxicab but, it is unusual. |
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Q17T |
Is there a limit on the number of taxicabs allowed to operate in Hillsborough County? |
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A17T |
Yes, the PTC sets the limit based upon a formula of 1 taxicab for every 1900 inhabitants. The number is currently set at 613 taxicabs. This number is adjusted each year based upon a census update. The theory of limiting the number is based upon the thought that there should be enough taxicabs to serve the public adequately but not so many as to cause the taxicab drivers to operate at a loss. We do have some companies that are restricted to working designated zones in the county such as the Southeast or Northwest. These taxicabs are not included in the formula mentioned above and currently we have 5 vehicles in each zone. |
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Q18T |
How many different taxicab companies are there in Hillsborough County? |
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A18T |
Technically, there are 19 separate taxicab service Certificate holders. However, Gulf Coast Transportation dispatches United Cab, United Taxi, ABC Taxi and Tampa Bay Cab. Yellow Cab of Tampa dispatches Yellow Cab and Checker Cab. Additonal services include Tampa Taxi and County Cab, Addis Taxi, A-1 Taxi, AmeriCab, Executive Taxi, Dial a Ride, Cab Plus and Black Car, Oldsmar Taxi, AAA Affordable Taxi, Amercian Victory (Southeast Zone) and Suburban Taxi (Northwest Zone). |
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