Prepaid taxi fares
Taxi fares must be prepaid for all trips between 10 pm and 5 am.
Want to know what a prepaid fare sounds like? Listen to a taxi driver/passenger conversation (MP3, 1.17 MB, 30 seconds.)
You can also have a look at our prepaid fares poster (PDF, 115 KB, 1 p.)
Information on this page
Before the trip begins
The taxi driver will estimate how much the fare will cost at the start of the trip, using a Victorian Taxi Directorate (VTD) authorised fare estimator if needed.
Our online estimator allows you to get an idea of how much this cost might be.
You must pay the driver this amount as a deposit by cash or pre-authorised card payment before the trip starts. The driver will give you a receipt for the amount. If you have vouchers or eTickets these should be given to the driver as prepayment.
Drivers have the right to refuse a fare if you do not have the money or cannot demonstrate that you can pay for the trip.
Note: The estimate is not a negotiated amount and the deposit does not represent an agreed amount for the trip.
At the end of the trip
The taximeter displays the fare, inclusive of fees such as phone booking fee or late night surcharge. Tolls and airport fees are additional to the fare on the meter.
If the final taximeter reading plus any tolls or airport fees (the total taxi cost) is less than the prepaid deposit, then the driver must refund the difference to you.
If the total taxi cost is more than the prepaid deposit, then you must pay the balance to the driver.
Note: All fares are to be paid based on the metered amount and any authorised additional charges, not the estimated amount.
If there are problems
Taxi drivers have the right to ask any customer for proof of payment or a deposit up to the estimated fare amount.
This conversation can sometimes lead to conflict between drivers and passengers, particularly late at night or early in the morning. Making prepaid fares mandatory will reduce the chance of conflict.
The Taxi Services Customer Charter and fare stickers in taxis detail the taxi driver's right to ask for a deposit or proof of payment at the start of the trip.
Report the taxi service via our online feedback and complaints form or by contacting the VTD if:
- you were not given a receipt for your prepayment at the start of the trip
- you were not given an electronic receipt at the end of the trip
- the EFTPOS terminal or taximeter inside the taxi was not working