Pereira Taxi Fares: What You Need to Know

As of Wednesday, March 1st, new taxi fares have come into effect for the city of Pereira and its metropolitan area, including the municipalities of Dosquebradas and La Virginia. These updated rates, approved in late 2022, aim to standardise and inform passengers about the cost of their journeys. The Pereira Mayor's Office has emphasised that all taxis must prominently display a sticker detailing the new charges. Furthermore, it is crucial that the taximeter is up-to-date and bears the seal of the Área Metropolitana Centro Occidente (AMCO) to ensure transparency and fair pricing.

Understanding the New Taxi Tariffs

For the approximately 2,700 taxis operating in Pereira and the surrounding metropolitan area, the minimum fare has been set at $5,000 pesos. The initial charge when a taxi is hailed, often referred to as the 'banderazo', will now be $1,500 pesos. Nighttime travel, as well as journeys on Sundays and public holidays, will incur a surcharge of $1,100 pesos. It's important to note that the nighttime period is defined as being between 7:00 PM and 5:00 AM the following day.

Specific Surcharges and Additional Costs

Several specific surcharges have been introduced or adjusted:

• Airport Surcharge: Travelling to or from the Matecaña International Airport will add $2,700 pesos to your fare. If your journey begins within the airport terminal itself, an additional $4,350 pesos will be applied.
• Motel Zone Surcharge: For journeys to the motel area on the road towards Armenia, a surcharge of $2,700 pesos may be applied.
• Cerritos Road Surcharge: Travel beyond the Santa Bárbara service station, located at kilometre 14 on the Pereira-Cerritos road, will incur an additional $3,300 pesos.
• Bioparque Ukumarí: Interestingly, there is no additional charge for travelling to the Bioparque Ukumarí, located in the same area as the Cerritos surcharge. The fare will solely be determined by the taximeter's reading.

How the Taximeter Works

For passengers, understanding the incremental charges is key. The taximeter will increase the fare by $130 pesos for every 80 metres travelled. Additionally, if the vehicle is stationary, the fare will increase by $130 pesos for every 70 seconds that pass. For those who wish to hire a taxi for a specific duration, the rate for the hour or any fraction thereof will be $27,000 pesos, starting from March 1st.

Comparative Fare Analysis

Pereira's new minimum fare of $5,000 pesos remains competitive when compared to other major Colombian cities. For instance:

This comparison highlights that Pereira offers a relatively lower starting price for taxi services within the country.

Public Transport Fare Adjustments

It is also worth noting that the System of Integrated Mass Transportation, which includes Megabús and Megacable services, saw a tariff increase from January 16th. This adjustment represented a 12.73% rise, amounting to $300 pesos. This also covers the orange buses and traditional mixed transport services operating in 'chivas' or public service camperos.

The Pereira Mayor's Office has also pointed out that the fare for the Metropolitan Area's Integrated Mass Transportation System, managed by Megabús, remains at $2,650 pesos. This fare is considered significantly lower than those in cities such as Cartagena, Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga, and Bogotá, underscoring the affordability of public transport in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When do the new taxi fares start in Pereira?
The new fares came into effect on Wednesday, March 1st.

Q2: What is the minimum fare for a taxi in Pereira?
The minimum fare is $5,000 pesos.

Q3: How much is the surcharge for nighttime travel?
The surcharge for nighttime travel (7:00 PM to 5:00 AM) and for Sundays and holidays is $1,100 pesos.

Q4: Is there an extra charge for going to the airport?
Yes, there is a $2,700 pesos surcharge for travelling to the Matecaña International Airport. If you start your journey from within the airport, the charge is $4,350 pesos.

Q5: How can I verify that a taxi is using the correct fare?
Ensure the taxi has a visible sticker detailing the new fares and that the taximeter has the AMCO seal, indicating it has been updated.

Q6: What is the cost per kilometre or minute?
The fare increases by $130 pesos for every 80 metres travelled or every 70 seconds of waiting time.

Q7: Are these new fares applicable in Dosquebradas and La Virginia?
Yes, the new fares apply to Pereira and its metropolitan area, including Dosquebradas and La Virginia.

Q8: How does Pereira's minimum taxi fare compare to other cities?
Pereira's $5,000 pesos minimum fare is lower than in cities like Medellín ($6,300), Bucaramanga ($5,700), and Cartagena ($7,800), making it a more affordable option.

Passengers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these new rates to ensure a smooth and transparent taxi experience in Pereira and its surrounding areas. Always check for the official fare sticker and the AMCO seal on the taximeter.