A shocking case of suspected taxi fraud has sparked public outrage in Taipei.
A passenger traveling from Xinyi District to Banqiao late at night was stunned when the expected fare of around NT$500 nearly doubled to NT$1,000.
According to the passenger, the driver not only took a significantly longer route but also switched the meter to the airport fare mode, increasing the base fare from NT$85 to NT$105. The intended 14-kilometer trip ballooned to over 30 kilometers, passing through Ankeng and Xindian before finally reaching Banqiao.
The passenger only realized the inflated fare when the total amount flashed on the meter.
Frustrated, the passenger took to social media to expose the incident, sparking heated discussions.
While some users condemned the driver for alleged fraudulent behavior, others defended him, claiming the passenger had agreed to take the highway and that the driver had even offered a refund.
Legal experts pointed out that intentionally taking a longer route violates Taiwan’s traffic regulations and can result in a fine ranging from NT$600 to NT$1,200. Experts advise passengers to document their trip details, including the taxi plate number, pick-up and drop-off locations, and timestamps, to protect their rights in similar disputes.
Many netizens reacted strongly, expressing distrust toward traditional taxi services and vowing to switch to ride-hailing apps for safer and more reliable transportation.
This incident raises broader concerns about Taiwan’s taxi industry and whether stricter regulations are needed to prevent fraudulent fare practices.
Given the increasing reliance on ride-hailing services, it is worth considering whether traditional taxi operations should undergo reforms to restore public trust and ensure fair pricing.