The new tariff system is called the parallel tariff. The price of a trip is calculated based on how far the taxi travels and how long the trip takes, regardless of speed. Under the old system (called a cross-over tariff) the tariff varied according to the speed of the taxi. This made it difficult for the customer to understand how the price of the trip was calculated.

- The new tariff system will make it easier for customers to check whether the price they pay for a taxi ride is correct. Moreover, it will be easier to compare prices between competing taxi companies, says acting division head Beate Milford Berrefjord of the Norwegian Competition Authority.

Better pricing information
The Competition Authority, together with the Consumer Ombudsman, the Consumer Council and the Norwegian Taxi Association, has worked to make it easier for consumers to navigate the taxi market. Among other things, the taxis will have highly visible stickers with price information, and signs with price information can be posted at taxi ranks. In addition, most taxi companies post their price lists on their websites.

A so-called «reference price» is also calculated, which will show the price of a taxi trip over a standard route (defined as an 8 km long journey in 13 minutes).

The regulation requiring taxis to use the new tariff system follows from authority given to the Competition Authority pursuant to the Price Policy Act. The new rules apply from 1 September 2011, and it is a criminal offence to break them. Anyone who discovers a breach of the regulations can report the crime to the police.

Questions and answers about taxi prices
The Competition Authority has prepared an information page with answers to frequently asked questions about the taxi market.

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Price and tariff system