5 Mistakes That Make Cab Rides More Expensive (And How to Stop Them)

  • 31 December, 2024

Using a cab service in Memphis should be convenient and affordable. However, many passengers unknowingly make choices that inflate their fares. Being a regular cab user, this inflated price may mess with your monthly travel budget. Once you identify these mistakes and overcome them, every cab ride will turn into a pleasing experience.

Cab Ride Mistakes That Can Make You Pay More

Cab rides are cost-effective compared to owning a personal car. However, sometimes, passengers need to pay much higher prices due to bad weather conditions, surge-pricing policy, or some silly mistakes. Here we are sharing some cab booking mistakes that can make you pay more than expected, along with tips to avoid them. So, let’s explore!

  1. Not Comparing Cab Services

Many people book the first cab company they find and completely ditch the comparison part. This approach can lead to higher fares. However, comparison will help you develop an average fare idea. Rates may vary from one company to another, even within the same city. It’s wise to choose a company that offers all-inclusive flat rates and does not encourage surge pricing.

  1. Booking During Peak Hours

Surge pricing can skyrocket your fare during rush hours. Most passengers do not know that traveling just 30 minutes earlier or later could save them a lot of money. Peak hours are usually on weekdays during morning peak hours (7-9 AM) and evening peak hours (4-7 PM), as well as during big events or bad weather.

Try to book your rides off-peak if you can avoid traveling during the busy times. If you need to travel when it is busy, share a ride with other people traveling in the same direction. Most of the ride-hailing applications are now allowing shared rides that save considerable money.

  1. Not Planning Your Route

One of the common and expensive mistakes is letting the driver decide on the route without taking any input from you. If the driver is newly recruited, he/she may not be familiar with the area and take longer routes to reach your destination. Taking longer routes can increase your final fare.

If you know the area well, you can guide the driver and eliminate the risks of taking unnecessary detours.

If you feel your Memphis cab service driver is taking a considerably different route, then politely ask why. Sometimes, there are good reasons, like construction or traffic, but you can avoid expensive diversions if you know ahead of time. You can also estimate the average duration of the trip beforehand, which helps you realize if the ride is taking too long.

  1. Forgetting to Schedule in Advance

Last-minute bookings can be very pricey, especially in peak hours or late at night. When you know you need a ride for an early morning flight or for an important meeting, booking well in advance helps lock in a lower rate and ensures availability.

Many services offer discounts for scheduled rides, and this advance planning gives you peace of mind knowing that your transportation is secured, especially when it is difficult to find an immediate ride.

  1. Neglecting Weather Forecasts

Smart riders check weather forecasts before planning their trips. Cab fares are often much higher during rain, snow, or extreme weather, because people need to travel, and traffic moves slowly. This will save you money in many instances.

For example, if you’re sure it will rain at evening time, get out of the office 30 minutes earlier or later to escape the weather rush and rush hour prices. You should keep a small umbrella in your workplace or destination so you can walk small distances when the prices are being unreasonable.

Conclusion

Cab rides don’t have to be expensive if you avoid these common mistakes. However, when passengers are in a hurry, they can’t invest much time to research well. In such situations, they need to depend on a reliable cab service in Memphis like Bluff City Taxi.

Bluff City Taxi is a trusted transportation solution in Shelby County and beyond. We cover all local and long-distance rides within Memphis, Germantown, Bartlett, Cordova, Collierville, Arlington, Memphis International Airport, North Mississippi, and West Memphis, AR. With the latest technology of dispatch software and Android-based tablets, you are assured to receive fast, reliable service. All licensed taxis will display permits on the windshield, and drivers wear name and photo permits for complete transparency.