The
Taxi meter measures trip distance. The meter uses electricity to determine how
far you have traveled. This is done with the help of the car's transducer -- a
sensor attached to the transmission, the same sensor that provides data to the
speedometer and odometer. It sends a pulse to the meter at specified distance intervals,
such as a half-mile. When the taxi meter is installed, an engineer drives the
car a perfectly measured mile to teach it how to record distance correctly.
It
measures trip time. The meter measures time in precisely the same manner,
receiving pulses at specific intervals, such as every two seconds. This is how
you get charged for time-spent waiting in traffic or for quick stops where the
driver sits idle.
It
discern between rates. If distance pulses outnumber the time pulses, such as
when you are moving at a decent speed, the meter counts these as dominant and
charges the rate per mile or fraction of a mile. If the time pulses outnumber
the distance pulses, the meter knows to calculate this part of your travel at
the "waiting" rate, if applicable.
It
determines the price. The meter tabulates the price and displays it in real
time. You can watch it steadily increase during the course of your ride. The
final price will be the total after all tabulations are made and the cab stops.
This is the amount the driver will ask you to pay.
It
uses preset cost information. The prices are programmed into the meter. Drivers
have their meter tested and calibrated to ensure they charge the amount set by
the taxi company or local regulations. Totals can include taxes and any preset
minimum trip charges.
No comments:
Post a Comment