Are Taxis More Expensive On Bank Holidays?

If you are keen to learn whether taxis are more expensive on bank holidays, you will find guidance through the following blog post. In addition to answering this question, we will also explore the average tax fares and how they change depending on the time of the day and the day of the week at any given time.

Are Taxis More Expensive On Bank Holidays?

Yes, taxis are more expensive on bank holidays. Some taxi companies may charge higher rates on these days. Taxi companies may justify these charges by citing the increased demand for taxis on bank holidays, or the higher cost of running their business on these days.

Transport for London is the regulator for taxis and is responsible for setting and reviewing tax fares. They have set three separate tariff classes that apply to the time of the day and the day of the week that one chooses to commute using a taxi.

In addition to this, there can be extra charges in the case of the following:

• the taxi journey includes some waiting time when the driver is waiting for the passenger to arrive, while the passenger stops to make an errand or they are held up by traffic during the journey
• if there are more than four passengers in the taxi £1.00 will be charged for each extra passenger
• if the taxi journey is to an airport there is a payment for entry to be made at the airport
• if a passenger soils the taxi and the driver has to get the vehicle cleaned and stop driving it for work

However if you claim any of the following benefits, are registered blind or have a disability, you can use a Taxicard and avail of subsidised taxi and minicab travel:

• the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance 
• the higher rate of Attendance Allowance
• the War Pension Mobility Component 

How Are Tariffs Applied To Your Taxi Fare?

Tariffs are applied to taxi fares based on the following classification:

• Tariff 1 is the lowest taxi fare that charges a basic rate of £3.80 for the first 45 seconds of the journey before an additional 20p is added at different intervals with an increase in distance. It applies to hiring from Monday to Friday, between 05:00 am and 08:00 pm, excluding public holidays.
• Tariff 2 is the average taxi fare that charges £3.80 for the first 37 seconds of the journey before an additional 20p is added at different intervals with an increase in distance. It applies to hiring either from Monday to Friday between 08:00 pm and 10:00 pm or from Saturday or Sunday between 05:00 am and 10:00 pm, excluding public holidays.
• Tariff 3 is the comparatively higher rate that is charged at £3.80 for the first 35 seconds of your journey before an additional 20p is added at different intervals with an increase in distance. It applies to hiring between 10:00 pm on any day and 05:00 am the following day or at any time on a public holiday.

How Does Distance Affect Your Tax Fare On A Bank Holiday?

If you are travelling a long distance on a bank holiday, it is obvious that the comparatively higher fare and the length of your journey will increase your tax fare. For a more accurate estimate of how distance will affect your taxi fare on a bank holiday, you can refer to the below table: 

The above fares have been quoted from Transport for London website and are subject to changes over time.

Conclusion:

The above discussion helps to conclude that not only are taxis more expensive on bank holidays, their tariffs generally rise on weekends and at later times of the day.

References:

Taxi fares | nidirect

Tariffs – Transport for London