If you are planning to take a taxi in Medellin in 2023, be prepared to pay a bit more. The Secretaría de Movilidad de Medellín has announced that the taxi fare will increase by 500 pesos, starting after the taxi meters are calibrated. This increase is based on the needs expressed by the taxi guilds due to the current economic situation.
The minimum fare for a taxi ride will now be 6,300 pesos, and the initial fare will be 4,300 pesos. The hourly rate for a hired taxi will be 28,000 pesos, while the fare to the airport, including the toll, will be 98,000 pesos. The cost per 78 meters of travel will be 100 pesos, and the waiting rate per 60 seconds has gone up to 250 pesos.
The process the taxi drivers have to go through
The calibration process for taxi meters will include paying traffic rights, which cost 96,900 pesos, calibrating the taxi meter, and passing an inspection at an authorized Diagnostic Center. The payment of traffic rights can be made at the Secretaría de Movilidad de Caribe, Sao Paulo, or Premium Plaza. Meanwhile, the calibration of taxi meters must be carried out at authorized workshops.
Once the calibration process is completed, taxi drivers will be given an adhesive sticker that will serve as evidence of the fare increase. If a taxi driver fails to update the taxi meter and charges the old fare, they will face a fine of 499,500 pesos.
If you are planning to take a taxi in Medellin, it is important to use legal and formal public transportation. This way, you can ensure that you are getting a safe and reliable ride. Remember that taxi drivers should not charge more than the established rates, and they must have a calibrated taxi meter.
What about other towns in the area?
While Medellin has already announced the new taxi fare, other municipalities in Valle de Aburrá may follow with similar fare increases. The Secretaría de Movilidad will announce any further developments regarding taxi fares in the coming days.
In summary, the taxi fare in Medellin will increase by 500 pesos, starting after the calibration process is completed. The new minimum fare will be 6,300 pesos, while the initial fare will be 4,300 pesos. It is important to use legal and formal public transportation, and taxi drivers should not charge more than the established rates.
Taxi vs. Uber or Indrive
When it comes to getting around Medellin, there are a few options to choose from. While traditional taxis have been a go-to for years, ride-hailing services like Uber and Indrive have become increasingly popular. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of each option.
Official taxis have the benefit of being regulated and monitored by the local government. This means that you can be more confident that the drivers are licensed, their vehicles are inspected, and they have passed background checks. Additionally, they typically have better knowledge of the city and its routes than ride-hailing drivers. Official taxis also offer a fixed fare, so there are no surprises or unexpected costs.
However, using an official taxi can have some drawbacks. They may not always be easy to find, especially during peak hours or in certain areas of the city. There have also been reports of taxi drivers overcharging tourists or taking longer routes to increase fares. Some may not speak English, which can be a barrier for non-Spanish speaking tourists.
On the other hand, ride-hailing services like Uber and Indrive offer the convenience of being able to request a ride from your phone, and they often have a larger fleet of drivers available at any given time. They also have features like driver ratings and in-app payment options, which can provide an added sense of security and ease of use.
One potential downside of ride-hailing services is that their drivers may not be licensed or regulated in the same way as official taxi drivers. This means there is a higher risk of safety issues or unscrupulous drivers. Additionally, the fare for a ride-hailing service can vary depending on demand, time of day, and route taken. This can result in a higher fare than expected, especially during peak hours.
In conclusion, both official taxis and ride-hailing services have their pros and cons. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. If safety and regulation are a top priority, official taxis may be the best option. If convenience and ease of use are more important, ride-hailing services may be the way to go. Regardless of the option you choose, it’s always important to prioritize safety and make sure to use a reputable service.
