Victoria Taxi Booking Guide

Navigating a new city or simply need a reliable way to get around Victoria? Taxis remain a cornerstone of public transport, offering convenience and door-to-door service. This comprehensive guide will equip you with all the essential information you need to book a taxi in Victoria, understand the pricing structure, and make your travel experience as smooth as possible. From the initial booking to understanding potential surcharges, we've got you covered.

Booking Your Victorian Taxi

Victoria offers several convenient ways to secure a taxi. The primary and most recommended method is through the dedicated taxi booking service, 13 CABS. You can reach them by simply dialling 13 CABS (13 2227). This is a straightforward way to request a taxi for immediate pick-up or to schedule a booking in advance.

For those who prefer digital solutions, 13 CABS also provides an online booking portal. This allows you to book your taxi from the comfort of your home or office. Furthermore, a dedicated mobile app is available for download on popular platforms, including iPhone, Android, and Windows devices. The app often offers features like real-time tracking of your taxi, fare estimates, and the ability to save your favourite pick-up locations, making the booking process even more efficient.

Understanding Victorian Taxi Fares

Victorian taxi prices are regulated by the Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, ensuring a fair and consistent pricing structure for all passengers. The fares are typically broken down into a flagfall charge, a distance rate, and a time rate. It's important to note that these rates can vary depending on the time of day and whether it's a peak period.

Day Rate (9am - 5pm)

During standard daytime hours, the pricing is as follows:

• Flagfall: $4.20 (charged when the taxi meter is started)
• Distance Rate: $1.622 per kilometre
• Time Rate: 56.8c per minute (applies when travelling below 21km/h)

Overnight Rate (5pm - 9am, excluding peak rate)

As the day transitions into evening, the rates adjust:

• Flagfall: $5.20
• Distance Rate: $1.804 per kilometre
• Time Rate: 63.1c per minute (applies when travelling below 21km/h)

Peak Rate (10pm - 4am Friday and Saturday)

To account for increased demand on weekend nights, a peak rate is applied:

• Flagfall: $6.20
• Distance Rate: $1.986 per kilometre
• Time Rate: 69.5c per minute (applies when travelling below 21km/h)

Additional Charges and Extras

Beyond the metered fare, several additional charges may apply to your taxi journey in Victoria. Being aware of these can help you avoid any surprises:

• Booking Fee: A $2.00 fee is added to the taxi meter at the start of a trip when booked in advance.
• Booking Levy: A $1.00 levy applies to all taxi trips within Victoria.
• Melbourne Airport Pick-up: A charge of $2.70 for standard pick-ups and $3.00 for pre-booked taxis applies when being picked up from Melbourne Airport.
• High Occupancy (MAXI Taxi) Fee: If you require a larger taxi to accommodate between 5-11 passengers, or if you request a larger vehicle for reasons other than passenger capacity (e.g., extra luggage), a fee of $14.00 will be applied, regardless of the actual number of passengers.
• Holiday Rate: A surcharge, equivalent to the peak rate, may apply on public holidays, particularly during the Christmas and New Year period.
• Non-Cash Payments: If you choose to pay using credit cards, debit cards, or Cabcharge cards, a 5% surcharge will be added to your fare.

Toll Charges

When your taxi journey involves using specific toll roads or tunnels, these costs will be added to your metered fare and paid directly to the driver. It's crucial to confirm with your driver which tolls might apply to your route.

As of July 1, 2015, the following toll charges were in effect:

*Where tolls apply, they will be paid to the driver in addition to the metered fare.

Tips for a Smooth Taxi Experience

• Book in Advance: Especially during peak hours or for airport transfers, booking your taxi in advance can save you time and ensure availability.
• Have Your Destination Ready: Clearly state your destination when booking or to your driver to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Confirm Fare Estimates: If you're concerned about the cost, you can often get a fare estimate through the booking app or by asking the dispatcher when booking by phone.
• Carry Cash or Card: While card payments are accepted, be aware of the 5% surcharge. Having some cash on hand can sometimes be more convenient for smaller fares or if you prefer to avoid card fees.
• Be Aware of Tolls: If your route is likely to involve tolls, it's good practice to confirm with your driver which ones are being used and the associated costs.
• Have the App Handy: The 13 CABS app is a powerful tool for managing your taxi needs on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I pay for my taxi in Victoria?

You can pay using cash, credit cards, debit cards, or Cabcharge cards. Please note that a 5% surcharge applies to non-cash payments.

Q2: Are there different rates for different times of the day?

Yes, Victoria has a day rate, an overnight rate, and a peak rate that applies on Friday and Saturday nights. These rates affect the flagfall, distance, and time charges.

Q3: What is the booking fee?

A booking fee of $2.00 is added to the taxi meter at the start of a trip when the taxi is booked in advance.

Q4: Do I have to pay extra if I travel with more than 4 people?

If you need a taxi for 5-11 passengers, you will need to book a MAXI Taxi, which incurs a High Occupancy Fee of $14.00.

Q5: How can I book a taxi for Melbourne Airport?

You can book a taxi for Melbourne Airport by calling 13 CABS, booking online, or using the 13 CABS app. Be aware of the specific pick-up charges for airport locations.

By understanding these fares, booking methods, and potential extra charges, you can confidently book and utilise taxi services across Victoria. Enjoy your journey!