Maltese taxis among dearest in Europe

Taxi rates in Malta are among the most expensive in the EU, comparative data compiled by The Times shows.

With a hop-on charge of Lm1.50 and a kilometre rate of 60c, catching a taxi in Malta could cost you more than hailing one in cities like Paris, Madrid and Athens.

Taxis in Malta by far out-price the rates charged in the other new EU states, most of which levy a fraction of the tariff. The government recently announced wide-ranging reforms in a bid to improve the notorious taxi service. Yet, even though the authorities have finally identified a suitable taxi meter, tariffs have remained unchanged.

Alfred Pace of the White Taxis Amalgamated told The Times that the meter charge per kilometre has been set at 60c while the hop-on rate of Lm1.50 is not expected to change. This means that a trip from the airport to Cirkewwa will cost about Lm13.90 (€32.60).

The last changes in taxi rates took place in 1984, and since then costs have shot up, Mr Pace argued. "Fuel and spare parts are expensive and let's not forget that we operate in a small country, where journeys are short and the frequency is limited," he said.

He said one had to take into consideration that no additional charge is levied on luggage and the rate is standard throughout the entire day, including weekends.

He also noted that while a number of European countries had the luxury of making use of their locally produced Fiats, Puegeots and Volkswagens, Maltese taxi-drivers had no choice but to import expensive vehicles.

"Yet, I believe the rates we charge are still reasonable," he said.

An exercise carried out by The Times shows that local taxis are in fact among the most expensive in Europe (see table).

An average was calculated for taxi rates in each EU state since operators charge slightly different tariffs, though in the majority of cases the difference was minimal. There are also instances where no boarding charge is levied but a higher distance fare then applies.

In some cities, the rates varied widely between day and night service while several operators charge about €0.50 to load luggage.

In places like Bratislava, taxis charge a lower rate when ordered by telephone and a higher rate when hailed in the street or a taxi stand.

Taxi drivers' reputation for fleecing users, especially tourists, seems to be rife across several countries, especially the Eastern states. Most official websites even warn about the bad reputation of taxi drivers in cities like Prague. Still, even with their inflated prices, it is cheaper to hail a cab in the Czech Republic than Malta. In Vilnius, Lithuania, tourists are advised to see that the taxi meter is working and to make sure they are not charged the night rate during the day.

Several authorities advise visitors to agree a fare before getting in the taxi in the Eastern countries - a practice which is commonly used when dealing with Maltese taxi drivers.

Taxis in London - renowned as one of the most expensive cities in the world - are a good option for groups of people sharing the fare. The meter starts ticking at £1.40 and rises by 20p with every 219 metres travelled, but a 60p surcharge kicks in at 8 p.m., up to 90p after midnight.

Night rates shoot up in many countries. In Rome, the hop-on charge for hailing a taxi between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. rises to €4.90.

Yet, while taxis remain a popular mode of transport in most European countries, Maltese taxi drivers are often seen wrestling for clients.