A law has been proposed which if approved, will see taxi users start paying based on the time and distance used to cover a journey.
A taximeter is a device that is fitted in a vehicle that calculates the fee to be charged based on the distance covered and the time taken according to a set tariff.
These devices will come in place of the current system whereby fare is paid basing on the agreement between the driver and the passenger. Apart from displaying the meters, the taxi drivers will be
If the proposed law is passed, then all taxi owners in Nairobi will be forced to fit their vehicles with the taximeters devices as directed by the County Government of Nairobi.
“Any owner of a taxi-cab shall be provided with a taximeter of a type approved by the executive committee, which shall be maintained in proper working order and shall be set to indicate no greater fares than those prescribed under this act,” says the Nairobi City County Taxi Cabs Bill,2015.
The Bill states that any extra charges which include a pick-up charge, an extra charge during peak traffic hours, luggage charge and a higher cost if the taxi leaves the county, apart from the time and distance will be displayed on the tariff card or will not be applied
The taxi shall be placed so that all letters and figures on the face thereof are at all times visible to the passenger. The main advantage of this device is that the passenger will pay less when traffic is light.
The bill states that any driver who charges more than the amount that has been indicated on the taximeters will be fined Sh.20,000. Operating without the taximeter or operating with a faulty one will be liable to the same charges.
Vehicles will be required to go for periodic inspections which will be paid by the owner of the vehicle. The taxis will be forced to parking in taxi ranks only thus parking outside the designated areas will result into paying the Sh.20,000.
In case of any other stops that the passenger is not related to, i.e. mechanical breakdowns or any other issue that may occur, the proposed law does not state how such cases can be handled.