Taxi Fares Capped in Oslo: A Welcome Change for Riders
The Oslo city council has announced a new regulatory scheme for taxis, which will come into effect from January 1, 2024. The move is aimed at preventing overshooting of taxi fares, a long-standing issue that numerous passengers, including Thea Gudmundsen, have faced. Gudmundsen was once charged a staggering 626 kroner for an 11-minute taxi ride from Oslo City to her home.
"There was a significant difference," Gudmundsen reacted when informed about the new max price of 314 kroner for the same ride.
The new rules will cap taxi fares in high-demand areas of Oslo, including the city center, and during peak hours. The changes follow investigations by Avisa Oslo into passengers left with hefty bills after hailing taxis on the street.
Cato Bratbakk, a regular taxi user, welcomes the new regulations. "I’ve experienced unexpectedly high taxi fares before, so I’m positive about this change," he says. Bratbakk, who typically uses public transport, now prefers using taxi apps to avoid surprises.
"I’ve become quite accustomed to the predictability of apps," he says. "I know what I’ll pay, where the taxi is, and who the driver is, which also feels safer."
Thea Gudmundsen shares similar sentiments. "I’ve learned my lesson from my experience, but it’s good to know I won’t have to be as vigilant every time I take a taxi."
Astrid Hedvig Thorbjørnsen, another regular taxi user, echoes their sentiment. "I’ve noticed wild fluctuations in fares, even for the same trip," she says. While she doesn’t plan to stop using taxi apps, she welcomes the cap on fares.
How Does the Max Price Work?
The max price for taxi rides will vary depending on the time of day and the route. For instance, a ride from Oslo City to the Vikingship Museum will now cost a maximum of 578 kroner during peak hours, and 420 kroner at other times. Meanwhile, a ride from the airport to the city center will now cap at 705 kroner during peak hours, and 545 kroner at other times.
These changes aim to create a more predictable and fair taxi market in Oslo, benefiting both passengers and taxi drivers.