subject: What Is Considered An Acceptable Tip For A Taxi Driver? [print this page] Driving a cab is considered to be a service, much like a waitress or bartender providing a service. As such, taxi drivers rely heavily on tips rather than normal paycheck compensation. The question then becomes: How much should I tip my taxi cab driver? Oftentimes, people may not be fully adept at calculating percentages when leaving tips, especially when on the go and in a hurry. While there is no set percentages regarding tips in the taxi services industry, there are suggestions and guidelines that can be followed. Tips will be expected by a taxi cab driver, so keep in mind that you should have extra money in hand specifically for that purpose.
Generally, the rule of thumb in the taxi services industry regarding tips is that ten percent is considered acceptable, while fifteen percent is considered courteous. Oftentimes at the end of a taxi ride, the passenger may give the taxi driver a bill and tell him to keep the change. If the ride was nine dollars and a ten is offered by the passenger, that is considered acceptable. However, keep in mind that a tip should be at least one dollar, no matter how short the ride may have been. Drivers in the taxi services industry work hard to ensure that their passengers get to their destinations safely and on time, and they should be compensated fairly for their efforts. Many cab drivers lease their cabs and have to pay for gas, repairs and upkeep, so they have expenses to cover as well as making a fair and honest wage. Anyone who calls for a taxi should ensure that they always have enough money on hand to cover the estimated fare and the tip.
Calculating a tip for a taxi cab driver can be done in similar fashion to the way you tip your waiter or waitress for a meal. Simply ask for your change back from the cab driver at the end of your trip and count change back to him as the tip. As with any type of service, if the cab driver has offered an exceptionally good service during the trip, don't be afraid to show your appreciation with a few extra dollars. The cab driver will not only appreciate your generosity, they will continue working hard in the future to ensure quality tips. Drivers working in the taxi services industry rely on their passengers for the majority of their income, and knowing proper tip etiquette is very helpful in deciding how your taxi cab driver should be compensated.
