Taxi fees to increase dramatically in Budapest

Taxi fees in Budapest are expected to increase considerably at the end of October. They have been unchanged for seven years and the taxi firms are negotiating increasing the price ceiling currently in place. Some reports say the basic fee may as much as double.

According to taxi companies' calculations, if 40% of their capacity is used, they can finance their operational costs, the minimum wage, fringe benefits, and make a 20% profit. Having discussed several pricing concepts, they decided to request an increase the maximum base price from Ft 300 to Ft 600 (€2.4). By doing so, they can compensate for losses from short transport distances and the increasing costs of longer transports, while raising prices per km and charges for waiting only at a lower rate. The maximum rates per km will increase only by 50% instead of the earlier planned 75%.

The minimum charge in case of a premium tariff (payable on weekends, holidays and at night) will be up to Ft 840. Charges per km will grow from a maximum of Ft 240 to Ft 360 on the normal tariff and from Ft 336 to Ft 504 on the premium tariff. Ceiling charges for waiting will grow from Ft 60 to Ft 90 at a normal tariff, and from Ft 84 to Ft 126 if it is a premium tariff.

Whether the new ceilings will be used by the taxi companies is open to debate ad there is fierce competition in the Budapest market.

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