How does a London taxi meter work?
Updated: May 8
Taxi meters are devices that are used to calculate the fare for a taxi ride. They typically use a combination of time and distance measurements to determine the fare.
When a taxi ride begins, the driver starts the meter. The meter uses a timer to measure the amount of time that has elapsed since the ride began, and a distance sensor to measure the distance that the taxi has travelled.
The distance sensor is typically connected to the taxi's wheels or transmission, and measures the rotation of the wheels to determine the distance travelled.
The meter also takes into account any additional charges or fees, such as tolls or surcharges. These are added as 'Extras'.
The fare is calculated based on a formula that takes into account the time, distance, and any additional charges. The meter then displays the fare on a screen, and the passenger is expected to pay the amount shown when the ride is complete.
It's worth noting that the exact workings of taxi meters can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and model. However, the basic principle remains the same: to calculate the fare for a taxi ride based on the time, distance, and any additional charges.
