Wednesday 3 December 2008

TAXI IN BRUSSELS

Taking a taxi in Brussels can be an adventure sometimes.
I have to say firstly that most of the times I use taxis in Brussels I have had no problems, but I want tou provide some advice as well as some interesting information about taxis that you should be aware.

The first difference between taxis in brussels and anywhere else is that you normally have to take them in the TAXI STOPS around the city, or call them through a phone call so they go to pick you up.
In other words, it is very unlikely that a taxidriver will stop in front of you in the middle of the street if you need him. Sometimes I see people waiting for a taxi in the street for several minutes without success, and no taxis are passing though or all of them are already busy.

Having in mind the above specificity of taxis in Brussels, what you need to know is the following:

The rates applicable in the Brussels-Capital Region
! New tariffs on 10/03/2008
!

Pick-up charge: € 2,40

Rate I (within the 19 communes of the Brussels-Capital Region): 1,35/km

Rate II (outside the 19 communes):2,70/km

Waiting fee :25,00 per hour (1)

Between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. customers are charged a flat rate supplement of € 2,00 (the taximeter is fitted with a clock-calendar that registers this flat-rate supplement automatically).

(1) Waiting time: the taximeter automatically switches to waiting time if the tax is driving at less than 20 km/h, for example in traffic jams, at red lights, etc.

(2) Rates above include VAT

These rates are normally visible inside the taxi, like the picture below:

More things to have in mind. In case of complaints, the Ministry has made available forms online that you can fill in. Of course, you should memorize some details about the taxi, i.e. LICENSE NUMBER, and driver name which should be always visible.

LINK FOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXIS IN BRUSSELS

http://www.brusselstaxi.be/site/

I have taken the rule of taking note of this information after I seat in the taxi, because you never know if you will have the chance later. Complains can be about speed, driving style, extra tours, etc....What is actually important here is that the Ministry of Brussels has open an easy door for users to send complaints. Now the ball is on your side, and it depends on you to change things. If you have any trouble, you have to speak up and complain, otherwise things will keep the same.





5 comments:

  1. The easiest thing is to call the taxi service (taxis bleues, verts, etc.) but you can never be sure if they will ever arrive.

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  2. Some observations.

    1) rates out of brussels are very expensive compared to the RATE 1. Be careful when you take a taxi out of the limits of the city.

    2)From my experience, if you complain a little for extra tours or bad service, and you are right, taxidrivers will easily make you 10 or 20% discount on the price indicated in the meter.

    3) If they try to agree on a price before putting the meter "on", ALWAYS try to bargain a little.

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  3. 4) TIPS are included in rates already!!!!

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  4. Thanks for the tips. Love the blog. Keep it going!

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  5. just got mugged €65 for a 20 € ride. Keep in mind, Belgium does not belong to Europe. I wish Germans stayed there after WW2. This way this pathetic country would have some civilization.
    The licence plate was YYY-092.
    I went to the Police, they told me to go to the court. Thank you very much. As if I have nothing else to do.
    I will try to avoid Belgium to the best I can for the rest of my life.

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