Bethesda AdminIt seems straightforward enough: Taxi drivers are supposed to pick up fares and relay them to their stated destination. However, there are times when doing that will seriously inconvenience a driver or possibly put them or the rider in harm’s way. Here are some times when a driver can — and cannot — refuse a fare.
Driver Rights
Being a service provider doesn’t mean you have to accommodate everyone all the time. As a taxi driver, you have the right to turn down fares that:
Come in at the very end of your shift
- Are carrying anything that might damage your vehicle
- Refuse to stop eating, drinking, or smoking
- Will take you outside of your service area
- Act disruptively
Passenger Rights
Taxi passengers also have rights and should be made to feel safe and respected during their rides. They have the right to:
- Have the radio or temperature adjusted
- See the rate calculator and driver ID during a ride
- Specify the route the driver takes
- Have a wheelchair loaded into a taxi if it is an accessible vehicle
Just because you hail a cab, it does not mean you are guaranteed a ride. At the same time, a driver can only refuse service under certain circumstances. Both drivers and passengers should know and understand their rights when it comes to taxis.