What is a taxi meter?
A taxi meter is an electronic measuring device installed in vehicles that transport people or goods for a fee. Its primary task is to calculate and display the price for the completed journey. Modern taxi meters can be connected to fiscal cash registers, allowing the driver to immediately issue a receipt to the customer. The purchase and installation of the device do not require notification, but to use it, legalization is necessary. The relevant certificate can be obtained at the measurement office or an authorized taxi meter legalization point. The cost for this service ranges from PLN 55 to PLN 110.
Which taxi meter to choose for a taxi? Types of taxi meters
There are two types of taxi meters available on the market – combined taximeters and separate taximeters. Combined taximeters are integrated fiscal cash registers and taxi meters. This type of device is permanently installed in the vehicle, in the radio location. Among its advantages are ease of use, relatively low operating costs, and a small size. Modern combined taximeters are distinguished by a colorful, touchscreen LCD display and an alarm function – in emergency situations, pressing a button is enough to activate, among other things, flashing lights on the roof. Devices of this type usually allow for the electronic copy of the receipt.
An alternative to the combined taximeter is the separate taximeter. This is a solution that taxi drivers have been using for years. The main feature of the separate taximeter is the possibility of connecting it to any mobile fiscal cash register. This is extremely easy – just plug in the cable. The operation of the separate taximeter is simple and intuitive, and the device itself is durable and robust.
Separate taximeters are cheaper than combined taximeters. The price of the device is around PLN 1,000, and an additional PLN 1,200 must be paid for the fiscal cash register. Because the fiscal cash register is not part of the device, the taxi driver can continue working in case of a breakdown of their vehicle – it is enough to connect the fiscal cash register to another taxi.
How to choose a taxi meter for a taxi? Disadvantages of individual solutions
Each of the options mentioned above has both its advantages and disadvantages. The purchase of a combined taximeter is associated with a considerable expense. The device and its installation cost about PLN 3,000. Permanent installation means that the buyer will not be able to use the combined taximeter in another car. On the other hand, the problem with purchasing a separate taximeter is the fact that the production of these devices is currently suspended. This means that drivers may have difficulty finding the product. Separate taximeters can be purchased on the secondary market. If you would like to invest in such a device, look for it on online auctions and in points specializing in the installation of taxi meters.
Mandatory taxi equipment
According to current regulations, the function of a taxi meter in a taxi can be performed by mobile applications (e.g., Bolt, FREE NOW, or Uber driver apps). The fiscal cash register is also no longer on the list of mandatory equipment and can be replaced with an eCash register. This is a great convenience for novice drivers. In order for a car to serve as a taxi, it must also have:
- at least two seats for passengers
- at least two doors on each side of the body or two doors on the right side, allowing exit to the outside
- a taxi sign
- a spare wheel or repair kit
- a valid first aid kit and fire extinguisher
- a warning triangle.
Learn more about the requirements of individual companies in the article How to become a driver for Uber/Bolt/FREE NOW?
Renting a car from a settlement partner
If you do not have your own car or do not want to work in a private vehicle, you can take advantage of the option of renting a car. It is best to do this with a trusted settlement partner of the most popular transportation companies. By cooperating with Avalon Logistics Group, you will gain access to vehicles that meet the requirements of applications such as Bolt, FREE NOW, or Uber.
We offer our employees models perfectly adapted for city driving – Toyota Corolla, Škoda Fabia, and Škoda Citigo. Each vehicle in our fleet has an up-to-date inspection and full insurance. The weekly rate and the deposit amount depend on the selected model. Before handing over the car, we additionally provide technical inspections, a taxi license, passenger transport insurance, as well as the appropriate equipment and markings.
