AZE.US
Taxi passengers in Baku say fares have risen noticeably in recent days, with some trips that used to cost around 2-3 manats ($1-$2) now costing more than 4 manats ($2).
One passenger said a recent ride from Azadlig Avenue to Tbilisi Avenue cost about 4.26 manats ($2.50). According to him, the same route previously cost a little over 2 manats ($1), or at most 3 manats ($2).
Passengers say the increase is not the same on every route, but the difference has become clear. The rise is felt more strongly on longer trips.
“Prices used to be more affordable. Now they have become more expensive. The difference can be 1, 1.5 or 2 manats,” passengers said, referring to roughly $0.60, $0.90 or $1.20. “On longer distances, it is felt more.”
Taxi drivers are also unhappy, but for a different reason. Some say that even after the increase, fares remain too low once fuel, platform commissions and other expenses are taken into account.
Drivers say prices usually rise during peak hours, while at normal times fares remain close to previous levels.
“If they rise, it is by 30-40 percent. But there is fuel, the company’s share and the driver’s expenses. In the end, even if the fare goes up, it does not make much difference for us,” one driver said.
Experts say taxi pricing is affected by several cost layers. According to them, each fare is divided among the platform, the driver, the vehicle owner and vehicle-related expenses.
“All of this is eventually added up and reflected in the price,” experts said. “When it is reflected in the price, it directly affects the passenger.”
Journalists contacted one passenger transport company about the increase. The company said there had been no fundamental change in tariffs.
According to the company, fares are not being increased artificially. It said prices are calculated automatically at the moment of booking based on supply and demand, the time of day and traffic congestion.
As a result, passengers see the change as a fare hike, drivers say the prices are still low, and companies explain the situation through automatic pricing and peak-time demand.
AZE.US