In the Netherlands, taxi drivers must notify their customers in advance about their taxi fares and rates. You do this with a taxi information card (taxi informatiekaart). The information card must be clearly readable on the outside of the taxi and from all seats within the taxi. The card also has to show information on how to file a complaint.
Taxi information card
The taxi information card consists of 2 parts:
- the upper part shows your contact details and information on how customers can file a complaint. It also shows you passenger transport number (P-number, in Dutch). You need a taxi operator licence to receive a P-number.
- the lower part shows your taxi rates
For this purpose, you can use a model taxi information card (in Dutch) from the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport, ILT). You can also use your own information card. This card must consist of the same fields and in the exact same order as the ILT’s model card.
Taxi trip pricing structure
The rates of your taxi must be clearly readable from outside of the taxi. They also have to be readable from all seats inside your taxi. You cannot charge more than the maximum rates (in Dutch). This applies to:
- starting rate
- distance
- duration
Does the trip take longer because of traffic? You have to divide the extra costs fairly between your company and your customer.
You may agree on a fixed rate for a trip with your customer. Or you can charge extra’s, for example for carrying luggage. Additionally, you may charge a waiting rate if this is agreed in advance. A waiting rate applies if you have to wait for the customer, for instance when their meeting runs late. You have to agree on these extra's with your customer in advance.
Once the taxi trip is completed, you provide your customer with a printed bill. If your client does not need a bill, you do not have to issue one.
Complaints
As an entrepreneur in the taxi business, you must have a complaints procedure in place. You must inform your customers where they can file a complaint. For this purpose, you also use the taxi information card. You also have to register with a complaints board.
