Does a taxi meter go up in traffic?

Yes—most taxi meters continue to rise in traffic because fares are typically calculated using a mix of distance and time. When a cab is moving slowly or stopped, the meter switches from charging per mile/kilometer to charging for “waiting time,” so the fare increases even if you aren’t covering much ground. This varies by city and local regulations, and some trips have flat fares or app-based upfront pricing that behave differently.

How taxi meters calculate fares

Traditional taxi meters use a time-and-distance algorithm. They charge a base fee when you start, add distance charges while the car is moving at normal speeds, and add time-based charges when the vehicle is crawling or stationary.

• Base fare (“flag drop”): A fixed amount added the moment the trip begins.
• Distance rate: A per-mile or per-kilometer charge applied while the cab travels above a set speed threshold.
• Time (waiting) rate: A per-minute charge applied when the cab is stopped or moving below a low-speed threshold—often around 10–15 mph (16–24 km/h), depending on local rules.
• Switch-over logic: The meter automatically switches between distance and time so that you’re billed for whichever component (time or distance) is dominant at a given moment.
• Extras and surcharges: Locally defined add-ons such as night, peak-hour, airport, congestion-zone, or holiday fees, plus tolls.

Put simply, the meter isn’t “paused” in traffic; it just changes the way it counts, billing by minutes rather than miles until traffic speeds pick up again.

What happens specifically in traffic

When congestion slows a taxi below its threshold speed, the meter shifts to the waiting-time rate. In practice, that means a steady per-minute tick until the vehicle returns to free-flow speeds. Many large cities—such as New York, London, Singapore, and Sydney—use this blended approach to keep fares consistent for drivers and riders across varying conditions.

Exceptions and variations by service

While the time-and-distance model is common, not every trip is billed the same way. Depending on the city, you may encounter fare structures that don’t climb in traffic the same way.

• Flat fares: Certain airport or zone-to-zone trips are fixed-price, regardless of traffic conditions.
• App-based upfront pricing: Ride-hailing apps often display a total price before pickup; although calculated from time and distance estimates, the price is typically locked unless the route changes significantly or extra stops are added.
• Fixed-price operators: Some private hire services quote a set fee ahead of time, insulating you from traffic-driven increases.
• Local regulation differences: City or regional transport regulators set thresholds, rates, and surcharges, so specifics can vary widely by location.

If you’re unsure which rules apply, check the rate card posted in the cab, the taxi regulator’s website, or the app’s fare breakdown before you ride.

Surcharges you may see during congestion

Beyond time-based charges, several add-ons can make fares rise more noticeably during busy periods or in dense urban cores.

• Rush-hour or peak surcharges: Extra fees during weekday commute windows.
• Night or weekend premiums: Higher charges late at night or on holidays.
• Congestion or city-center charges: Fees for entering designated zones (common in cities that aim to reduce traffic).
• Tolls and bridges: Passed through to the passenger when routes include toll roads, tunnels, or bridges.
• Airport access fees: Set by airports and added to pickups or drop-offs.

These extras are usually disclosed on the meter display, the in-cab rate card, or the app’s fare detail screen, and they stack on top of the base time-and-distance calculation.

Tips to keep costs down when traffic is heavy

While you can’t control congestion, a few simple choices can reduce the impact on your fare.

• Travel off-peak when possible to avoid rush-hour surcharges and waiting-time accumulation.
• Ask the driver about faster surface streets vs. highways if both are congested—local knowledge can help.
• Consider transit for the most jam-prone segments, then take a short taxi for the “last mile.”
• Use services that offer upfront or flat pricing for predictable costs, especially to/from airports.
• Check for fixed-fare zones or published flat rates on regulator or airport websites.

Planning around known bottlenecks—big events, peak commute hours, or construction zones—can save both time and money.

Summary

In most places, taxi meters do go up in traffic. They switch from charging by distance to charging by time (waiting rate) when speeds drop, and the fare can also include surcharges for peak hours, congestion zones, tolls, or airport access. Flat fares and upfront pricing options are the main exceptions. If cost certainty matters, check posted rates or choose a flat/upfront option before you ride.

Do taxi meters go up by time or distance?

If the vehicle is traveling below the speed limit, then the taximeter calculates the fare based on the time elapsed. To do this, it multiplies the distance traveled by the rate per kilometer and the time elapsed by the rate per minute. It then adds these two values together to get the total amount.

Do taxi meters go up in traffic?

Taxi meters are usually based upon distance and time. For example if you are sitting in traffic you may see the meter continue to increase in price regardless of whether you are moving or not.

Do taxis charge when stuck in traffic?

Driving slowly might mean that the by-the-minute charge overtakes the by-the-mile charge (especially if part of the journey involves being stuck in traffic, which is the true purpose of this charging structure), meaning that the taxi driver can charge this higher amount.

What is the taxi meter rule?

17. A taxi meter in a vehicle is considered accurate if, (a) On a road test, the distance computed by the taxi meter is within 2% of the actual distance travelled; and, (b) On a time test, the time computed by the taxi meter is within 2% of the actual time. 18.