Rates offered were up to 20% lower than the metered fares on long-distance trips, with competition being particularly fierce on the airport route.

Taxi Radio (1681; www.taxiradio.co.th) and other 24-hour 'phone-a-cab' services are available for 20B above the metered fare.

On some routes, particularly to airports, it may be impossible to get a metered fare.

The metered fare from York and 79th to Wall Street is about $12, but each person sharing the ride pays $4, for a total of $16.

The driver assured us that the metered fare would be 200,000 to 220,000 lire and the driving time (at 6:45 a.m.) less than an hour.

Taxis were permitted to pick up multiple fares, and operated on a zone system rather than metered fare.

A $15.00 surcharge applies to Newark airport on top of the regular metered fare.

Add about 25,000 Rupiah to the metered fare for required airport taxes and toll road fees.

Two went so far as to offer to reduce the metered fare after having taken a wrong turn in error.

Passengers last year paid an average metered fare of $6.85, or $8.07 with the night surcharge and a 15 percent tip.