10 ways to save on taxi and cab services.

Getting from point A to point B is without your own ride sometimes means calling a cab. Especially true if you are out of town. If you use taxi's frequently, you're probably aware that the fees add up. Learn how to save money on taxi and cab services. Here's how...  

1. Ride with a full car- Try to get as many people to ride in your cab with you as possible, that way you can split the fee amongst all passengers, thus making it cheaper per person.
2. Be on time- Ensure you are on time, the rate piles up while the cabbie is waiting for you.
3. Bicycles- If you are frequently depending on a cab, consider purchasing a bike and riding that around instead. Bonus for the health benefits you will reap.
4. Know where your going- Be sure you know exactly how to get their to avoid extra mileage rates in case you get lost.
5. Call around- Different companies have different rates. Call several different cab companies in your area and ask them their basic rates, price per mile, and if they offer flat rates. Use yellowpages.com to look up local companies.
6. Just ask!- Ask your cab driver for a flat rate.
7. Avoid rush hour- It will run up your rate simply because you are in the cab for a longer period of time. Don't pay for going nowhere!
8. Take a bus- If there is cheaper transportation available, take that. Public bus and train systems are always cheaper than a cab. If a bus is only available for a fraction of your route, take it as far as possible and then call a taxi.  If you are at the airport, be sure to leverage shuttle services...a short wait for a free ride will save you big.
9. Rideshare instead- If you are taking a cab to work or school, consider starting a rideshare or carpool. Learn how by reading our article "Save money by starting a carpool"
10. Check black car, van services, and shuttles.  In places like Las Vegas, you might find that a black car or van service is actually cheaper than a cab.  And, most major airports have free shuttles to local hotels, and paid shuttles to major points of interest at "lower than cab" prices.