Advent Calendar Day 19: "Mad Friday" Taxi Costs

"Mad Friday" Taxi Costs Before and After 11pm

"Mad Friday" is one of the busiest nights of the year.

To help keep you safe and have a great time, we'll look at ensuring you enough money for the cab ride home.

Taxis often have different rates for the time of the journey.

Let's compare taxi fares before and after a price change using distance, rates and simple calculations.

Taxi charges are:

Base fare: £2.50 Before 11pm: 75p per mile

After 11pm: £1.25 per mile

Journey distance: 17.5 miles

Step 1: 

Work out the journey cost before 11pm

17.5 × 0.75 = 13.13

Add the base fare:13.13 + 2.50 = 15.63

Fare before 11pm = £15.63

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Step 2: 

Work out the journey cost after 11pm

17.5 × 1.25 = 21.88

Add the base fare: 21.88 + 2.50 = 24.38

Fare after 11pm = £24.38

Step 3: 

Compare the two fares

24.38 − 15.63 = 8.75

The later journey costs £8.75 more.

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Step 4: 

Check the difference

Ask yourself, "Does my answer make sense?"

The per-mile rate increases by 50p.

Over 17.5 miles, a large increase is expected.

Skills that Count Check

Multiply the distance by the correct rate first.

Always add the base fare last.

Check which tariff applies before calculating.

The Skills that Count

Understanding rate changes helps you compare costs, plan journeys, and avoid unexpected expenses during busy Christmas nights out.

Share any experience you have on rate changes in the comments, and stay safe.