As a taxi owner, installing an advanced taximeter is not just an upgrade—it is a must. With the evolution of technology, dispatch solutions are getting more advanced. It ultimately results in making it tough for small fleet owners to keep up. With the implementation of Norway’s new taximeter law, ensuring compliance has become more crucial than ever.
Every taxi driver now required to have a MID-approved taximeter, which will be checked every year by the Norwegian Metrology Service. Without it, drivers won’t be allowed to operate. Understanding how do taxi meters work is crucial, as every cab driver who wants to stay on the road must have a Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) approved taxi meter.
What is a Taximeter?
A taximeter is a device installed in taxis to calculate the fare based on the distance traveled and waiting time. This essential tool ensures transparency and fairness for both the passenger and the driver. For taxi businesses looking to further optimize their operations, leveraging advanced fleet management strategies can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.
‘’You Need A Device That Tells You The Truth & Thrive Your Business, No Matter How Expensive It Is’’
Advantages Of Taximeter
Fair Pricing & Transparency
- Taxi meters aid in avoiding any misunderstanding about the fare amount by showing it clearly, thus facilitating an objective calculation.
- They help in abiding by local regulations and keeping consistent rates in the taxi business.
- Taxi meters enable passengers to trust that any charges they incur are honest.
- Taxi meters help ensure the computation of the correct fare based on the distance traveled and the time taken.
Safety & Compliance
- MID-approved taximeter is a cost-effective device & GPS-based app to create easiness for Drivers and Passengers to reach their goal.
- A taximeter is a tool that makes your journey fraud control & it has been mandatory in Norway for every taxi. Norwegian Ministry of Transport and Communications is managing the taxi market on the national level.
- Taxi meters use objective measures to protect both drivers and passengers. If you pay attention to the meter and know your rights, there’s no reason to worry.
Operational Efficiency
- Installing a taxi meter decreases the driver’s unethical behavior; the taxi meter function in GPS tracking can diminish cab drivers’ exploitation behaviors; management can obtain real-time fare data online.
- One of the advantages of taxi meter installation is a reliable device that provides a precise portion of what the charge should be.
- Having a taximeter, you can easily acquire the data of distance, consumed fuel, and total fare or income of your rides.
- The GPS tracking in taximeters can improve your routes, and you can reach your customers on time, which results in good service.
Related Article: How Does a Taxi Dispatch Software Benefit Taxi Owners?
How Do Taxi Meters Work?
How do taxi meters work in practice? If the driver presses the start button to enter take on mode, the GPS tracking device would get the sign from the taximeter and send data to the server with car plate number, meter number, & start time.
At the end of the trip, the driver presses the STOP button to enter end mode. The tracking device would send data to the server including start time, end time, total time, waiting time, distance, fare.
Basic Functionality
A taximeter operates by measuring two main variables:
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Distance Traveled:
The meter calculates the fare based on the distance the taxi has traveled
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Waiting Time:
The meter also accounts for the time the taxi spends waiting, such as at traffic lights or during traffic jams
Calculation of Fare
- A base fare that is charged as soon as the ride starts.
- A per-mile charge that is added for each mile traveled.
- A per-minute charge that is added for each minute spent waiting.
Devices Used
- Taximeters are advanced devices with GPS and integration into taxi systems.
- They accurately measure distance using mechanical and digital technology.
- Modern meters feature digital displays and can also print receipts.
Features of Modern Taximeters
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Digital Displays:
Clear, easy-to-read displays for both drivers and passengers.
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Printers:
Capability to print receipts for passengers.
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GPS Integration:
Accurate measurement of distance and navigation assistance.
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Tamper-Proof:
Security features to prevent tampering and ensure accurate fare calculation.
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Multiple Fare Structures:
Ability to set different fare structures for different times of the day or types of trips (e.g., airport trips, night rates).
Related Article: How Cabsoluit Transforms Taxi Dispatch Operations
Do Taxi Meters Start at 0?
Key Components of a Taxi Meter
Understanding the key components of a taxi meter helps in answering the question, how do taxi meters work. These components ensure the accurate calculation of fares and seamless operation of the device. Here are the primary parts:
Display Unit:
The display unit is the most visible part of the taxi meter. It shows the fare, distance traveled, and waiting time. This allows passengers and drivers to see the current fare immediately, ensuring transparency.
Control Buttons:
Control buttons are used by the driver to operate the meter. They can start and stop the fare calculation, switch between different modes (such as waiting time and travel time), and reset the meter for the next ride.
GPS System:
Many modern taxi meters come equipped with a GPS system. This helps in accurately tracking the distance traveled and the route taken. The GPS data is crucial for precise fare calculation, especially in cities with complex road networks.
Connection to Vehicle’s Systems:
The taxi meter is often connected to the vehicle’s systems, such as the odometer. This connection ensures that the meter can accurately measure the distance traveled by the taxi. The integration of the vehicle’s systems is essential for reliable fare computation.
Printer (for Receipts):
Some taxi meters include a built-in printer. This allows the driver to provide passengers with printed receipts that detail the fare, distance traveled, and time taken. Receipts are useful for passengers for expense claims and record-keeping.
How to Install a Taxi Meter
Instructions for Installation
Installing a taximeter involves several steps:
1. Selection of Meter:
Choose a meter that complies with local regulations and is compatible with your vehicle.
2. Wiring:
Properly wire the meter to the taxi’s electrical system. This often involves connecting it to the vehicle’s power supply and integrating it with the odometer or GPS system.
3. Calibration:
Calibrate the meter to ensure accurate fare calculation. This involves setting the correct fare structure and testing the meter for accuracy.
4. Mounting:
Securely mount the meter in a visible and accessible location within the taxi.
Instructions and Manual
Each taximeter comes with a detailed manual that provides specific instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure the taximeter operates correctly and complies with local regulations.
Taxi Meter Fitting
1. Professional Fitting Services
Professional taximeter fitting services are readily available for individuals who aren’t adept at DIY approaches. In practical situations, how taxi meters operate becomes pertinent. These services ensure that the meter is installed correctly and calibrated according to local laws. Professional fitting often comes with a guarantee of accuracy and compliance.
2. Installation Tips
For those who prefer to install the meter themselves, here are some tips:
- Read the Manual: Thoroughly read the instructions and guide provided with the taximeter.
- Use Proper Tools: Ensure you have the necessary tools for the installation.
- Follow Wiring Diagrams: Accurately follow the wiring diagrams to avoid electrical issues.
- Test Thoroughly: After installation, test the meter in various conditions to ensure accuracy.
Boost Your Taxi Fleet’s Efficiency with Cabsoluit’s Advanced Solutions
As a business, we have been involved in the taxi industry for over 20 years. We know that having the best equipment on the road is crucial. Providing the best service to customers is the most important thing a fleet can do. Understanding how taxi meters work helps in making informed upgrade decisions. It also ensures compliance with regulations.
Our industry-leading products include MID-approved taximeters for ours taxi dispatch software. We have everything your fleet needs to succeed in the modern age. Automate your taxi business with fully equipped and advanced features.
These features are essential for business growth. With Cabsoluit, you can enjoy features like:
Booking & Ride Management
- Booking App (iOS, Android)
- Driver App (iOS, Android, Android Tab)
- Booking Management
- Booking Terminal
Fleet Tracking & Dispatch
- Vehicle Tracking – GIS
- Dispatch System
Fare & Payment Management
- Fare Calculator
- Fare Management
Business & Admin Tools
- Admin Portal
- Owners Portal
- Ticket Management
- Reports
- Analytics (Power BI)
System Integrations
- External Integrations
Upgrade Your Taxi with MID-Approved Taximeter!
- Cost-Effective, Reliable and Accurate.
- Precision in every ride! Our accurate taxi fare calculator ensures transparent pricing, enhanced safety, and efficient route planning with GPS-tracking mirror taximeters.
- Join hundreds of professional drivers worldwide in the Alberen family for cost reduction and optimal service. Start driving today with seamless taxi meter installation!
So, if you are truly interested to make secure & raise your business according to Norwegian law. Our proficient team is facilitating worldwide customers. Contact us now for a free demo and bring a change to your cab business and get an Alberen Taximeter.
Conclusion
Understanding how taxi meters work is essential for both drivers and passengers. Taxi meters accurately measure the distance traveled and waiting time to calculate the fare, ensuring transparency and fairness. With features like GPS integration and compliance with local regulations, taxi meters help avoid misunderstandings about fare amounts and enhance trust. For taxi fleet owners, upgrading to advanced taximeters can improve service efficiency and customer satisfaction. Knowing how taxi meters work allows drivers to provide reliable and honest service, ultimately benefiting the entire taxi industry. By staying informed, you can ensure a smooth and fair experience for all.