$15 Flat rate from Mandarin Oriental to port? Can that be?

I was quoted this by a Diamond taxi. Am I better off telling my taxi to turn the meter on if the flat rate is more than $10 to the port from my Downtown Miami hotel? I did the math and based on miami taxi fee my total metered fee should be $9.30 Why would the taxi quote me a flat fee of $15? I think that fee is pretty steep considering it%26#39;s only 2.61 miles distance. Just wanna know beforehand so I can make sure we don%26#39;t get taken advantaged of. This is the main reason why I hate taking taxi%26#39;s. Some really try to stiff tourist if they can. I know they will be lined up at the hotel so i just want to be prepared and ready to move to the next car should I get quoted that by the first cab car.

$15 Flat rate from Mandarin Oriental to port? Can that be?

lknight%26gt;

If a taxi has a working meter - I doubt the fare to the Port will be as high as $15. Will you be driving during the rush hour? If so, expect delays in traffic on Biscayne Blvd. A savvy cab driver will take a back street to avoid the construction crazy crush.

The hotel you have booked is a top-level place. Ask at the desk or at the concierge exactly how much the cab should be and if the property has a private car available. Sometimes there is an option of a free shuttle if you inquire...

Enjoy your cruise!

AG

$15 Flat rate from Mandarin Oriental to port? Can that be?

Thanks AdvisorGirl!

No I won%26#39;t be going during rush hour. The ship leaves next Sunday so I will be leaving the hotel around 11 o%26#39;clockish. Anyhow, the hotel preferred cab company is the one that quoted me that rate, so I will make sure I ask the bellman to confirm the correct rate and advise of another cab I can take if they won%26#39;t run the meter. I know $15 isn%26#39;t alot of money, but for me it%26#39;s more so principle. To ask someone to pay that much for a less than 3 mile drive is ridiculous I think. Thanks again!!!!!

When I was in a cab last month in Fort Lauderdale I noticed a posted sign that said that the min. fare was $10 if leaving from the airport or port. Maybe its the same in Miami?

lknight%26gt;

$15 is worth asking about - I totally understand...

The taxi service in Miami is governed by a flat rate system just slightly more complicated than the Magna Carta.

The city is divided into zones. The zones are divided into numbers. The numbers are calculated using algebra.

OK - not so funny.

The rate from the Airport to various zip codes is determined by a chart. The rate from the airport to the seaport is also a flat fee. The tricky part is that the rate between point A and point B - ANYWHERE else - is not governed and a meter should be utilized.

For example: If you take a taxi from MIA to your hotel, it should cost exactly $21.70 plus a tip.

Cabs are not to refuse a fare of even the shortest distance simply because they would rather take someone else someplace more costly...

You should be able to hop into a taxi in front of the Mandarin and get a lift to the Port and pay the metered amount - period! The particular taxi company you use does not matter - so long as it is a proper cab with a licensed driver and a working meter (if you have any doubts, do not board). Generally, taxis queue in front of all major hotels or can be called using the yellow pages in your hotel room if you prefer.

At 11 o%26#39;clock on a Sunday morning, the traffic should be minimal EXCEPT in the last bit closest to the ship. Downtown Miami is an office driven city and thus really quiet on the weekends... There is an extraordinary amount of construction on the main thoroughfare (Biscayne Blvd) leading up to the bridge over to the port.

Enjoy your trip...

AG

Thanks AG - I will ask for the metered to be on if they quote me higher than $10, and I know the state governed rate. I even printed off a complaint form from the web in case a cabbie tries to give me a problem for requesting the meter on. If I am not mistaken, a cab drivers cannot provide any services if the meter is broken, so he shouldn%26#39;t even be at the hotel offering rides if this is broken correct?

lknight%26gt;

I got this from the city website:

The rules and the rights you have when riding a taxi

The Chauffeur is required to take passengers to any destination via the most direct route. The fare is the amount shown on the meter, plus any tolls, (unless the trip is a flat fare). The trip begins when the taxi starts traveling towards the desired destination and ends when the taxi arrives at the desired destination. Some important tips to remember include:

Tipping for a good service is customary.

Obtain a receipt for the fare charged.

The air conditioner must be in good working order and used unless request otherwise.

Refer to the passenger Bill of Rights in the vehicle for furthur rights as a taxi Passenger.

All Chauffeurs must wear a collared shirt, dark trousers or skirt, and closed shoes.

Consumer tips when riding a taxi

Whether you are a resident or visiting Miami-Dade County, you should be aware of the following consumer tips and the Consumer Hotline: 305/375-3677

When using a taxicab please be aware of the following:

The chauffeur%26#39;s registration and number is located on the dashboard. The vehicle number is located on the exterior of the vehicle. This information will assist you in the event you experience difficulties or have a compliment.

The meter starts when the taxi begins the trip towards the desired destination.

The fare is the amount shown on the meter, unless a flat rate applies.

There is no per passenger or baggage charge.

Flat rate taxi service exists to and from Miami International Airport and the Seaport, the Beaches, the Village of Key Biscayne and two zones close to the Airport (please see the flat rate guide posted on the right rear passenger window).

The air conditioning must be operating when you enter the vehicle unless you request otherwise.

The chauffeur must use the most direct route to your destination.

The chauffeur must offer a receipt for the fare charged.

A child restraint seat is required if young children are traveling.

Tipping for good service is customary.

Definitely do not board a cab with no meter or if the driver says his meter is ';broken...';

AG

There is a flat rate from many places around Miami to the port of Miami. It is fixed by the city I believe, probably because of complaints by tourists. Consult with the Google Gods. One link said the rate from Miami airport to the Sea Port was $20.

Try to get someone to share the ride with you.