Is there a Legitimate Orlando TAXI site?

[TinkAgainU]

Wanted to check TAXI rates, and every link I'm finding online is a specific taxi company (which tend to be limo charters!)...

Does anyone know if there is a legit TAXI website I can check for rates and a phone number or app to use to get around Orlando? Not looking for a formal Limo, or a random Lyft/Uber driver but a real Taxi if those still exist there other than the line at the airport?

 

[Lewisc]

Mearstransportation.com

They have an app

They have real taxis. You can call or use their app.

Edited to add a direct link

https://www.mearstransportation.com/orlando-taxi

 

[TinkAgainU]

Mearstransportation.com

They have an app

They have real taxis. You can call or use their app.

Edited to add a direct link

https://www.mearstransportation.com/orlando-taxi

Thanks, although I'm not sure they charge TAXI rates which are typically "fixed" in a given area. I just checked AKL/Jambo to Gatorland for an example and got a $52 quote for a sedan. Maybe I'm thinking the "old" rates, but that seems excessive for a just under 15 mile one way trip. I've rarely paid that much for Uber from MCO, and MCO is 6 miles further than Gatorland... but maybe $3.50 per mile is the norm for Orlando taxi rates

Will also mention, Mears already has my info, but it feels invasive you have to give your name, email, and phone number just to get a quote. That's obviously data gathering which unless I actually book with them, feels invasive to the extent it makes me not fully trust their business ethics.

 

[Debbie Jean]

My experience going to the outlets from on property was that Mears taxi rates were much more expensive than either Uber or Lyft. Stopped using them several years ago. Don’t know whether that’s changed and perhaps they got more competitive.

 

[Anthony1971]

Taxi rates are not in general fixed there is a fee just to get in then X per 1/4 mile or like plus time stopped in traffic. A car service is a fixed fee. The cheapest way in the Orlando area is uber or lyft. Some larger cities Taxis are sometimes cheaper especially with surge pricing.

 

[Lewisc]

Uber and Lyft are generally less expensive then regulated taxi fares (Orlando area). Mears taxi vans and HA are the same fare as a regular taxi.

There are a variety third party sites. The Mears site gives you real taxi pricing.

Data collection is the way of the world. Call Mears for a fare estimate or use a 3rd party site if that makes you feel better.

 

[TinkAgainU]

Data collection is the way of the world. Call Mears for a fare estimate or use a 3rd party site if that makes you feel better.

The fact it's becoming a new normal just makes me MORE inclined to refuse to do business with companies that require my personal info for a simple quote. I don't need to encourage more companies selling my contact info, and wish more people would "vote with their business" on this issue, but many just give it without thinking

 

[Best Aunt]

Before Uber and Lyft, people on here said that if you needed a taxi, you should use Mears. That was the recommended company. If you needed to go somewhere like the grocery store, you would put their number in your phone so thay you could call them to take you back to the hotel.

 

[Lewisc]

The fact it's becoming a new normal just makes me MORE inclined to refuse to do business with companies that require my personal info for a simple quote. I don't need to encourage more companies selling my contact info, and wish more people would "vote with their business" on this issue, but many just give it without thinking

I just went to the website, link I posted. I got a range estimate on the bottom of my screen without giving any personal information.
Maybe they got the information through cookies

 

[Lewisc]

The rate is $2.40 for the first 1/4 mile, .60 for each additional 1/4 mile and .60 for each 80 seconds of waiting time.

Edit to add
Waiting time for a ride share is how long the driver waits for the passenger. Typically zero.

Waiting time for a taxi refers to the taxi not moving, primarily due to traffic or traffic lights. A red-light light stays red for a minute or two. Figure $0.60

Traffic equals higher taxi fares.

 

[Ross Kratter]

There are four major taxi companies in Orlando. Mears is the largest by far; there’s also Diamond, Town & Country, and Quick Cab. Metered fares are set by the city of Orlando, thus all cab companies’ fares are the same.

 

[Miffy]

Thanks, although I'm not sure they charge TAXI rates which are typically "fixed" in a given area. I just checked AKL/Jambo to Gatorland for an example and got a $52 quote for a sedan. Maybe I'm thinking the "old" rates, but that seems excessive for a just under 15 mile one way trip. I've rarely paid that much for Uber from MCO, and MCO is 6 miles further than Gatorland... but maybe $3.50 per mile is the norm for Orlando taxi rates

Will also mention, Mears already has my info, but it feels invasive you have to give your name, email, and phone number just to get a quote. That's obviously data gathering which unless I actually book with them, feels invasive to the extent it makes me not fully trust their business ethics.

Just as an aside, the last time I took Uber/Lyft from MCO to a WDW resort, it cost $70 before the tip. I was absolutely shocked, especially since it was late at night, which didn't seem like a high-demand time to me, but perhaps when there are fewer rideshares available, the rates go up? I do not know, but $52 might not be dissimilar to what a rideshare would charge for that trip, I'm sorry to say.

 

[Lewisc]

There are four major taxi companies in Orlando. Mears is the largest by far; there’s also Diamond, Town & Country, and Quick Cab. Metered fares are set by the city of Orlando, thus all cab companies’ fares are the same.

Are HA Mears taxi vans generally available or should they be requested in advance? Or request after getting luggage?

 

[Ross Kratter]

Are HA Mears taxi vans generally available or should they be requested in advance? Or request after getting luggage?

From what I recall, they can be available on demand, but that’s what they have the fewest of. I know the taxi dispatchers at the airport can request one.

 

[comicguy]

2 years ago, 2 of our party went to Gatorland from Pop Cent on our "down" day and it was 40 dollars via uber one way

 

[hrhdhd]

There are four major taxi companies in Orlando. Mears is the largest by far; there’s also Diamond, Town & Country, and Quick Cab. Metered fares are set by the city of Orlando, thus all cab companies’ fares are the same.

What about for cab rides that aren't in the City of Orlando limits?

 

[Ross Kratter]

What about for cab rides that aren't in the City of Orlando limits?

If the company is licensed in Orlando, typically metered rates apply within Orange and Osceola counties, and potentially into Polk, Lake, and Seminole as well. They are supposed to charge metered fares, as far as I know.

 

[Sparrow'sLady]

Just as an FYI...
We have always found a Taxi to be the more expensive option. Also, unlike a Lyft, they can go wherever they want to keep the meter going, whereas Lyft is required to follow a certain route and the fare amount is stated up front.

 

[Disnsyncey]

Just as an aside, the last time I took Uber/Lyft from MCO to a WDW resort, it cost $70 before the tip. I was absolutely shocked, especially since it was late at night, which didn't seem like a high-demand time to me, but perhaps when there are fewer rideshares available, the rates go up? I do not know, but $52 might not be dissimilar to what a rideshare would charge for that trip, I'm sorry to say.

I used to be a concierge in ATL and I KNEW the taxi rates from the airport to my neighborhood.....$35, plus airport fee and tip....

I landed LAATTTEEE (like 1am) and needed to get home.....I ended up ordering a Lyft without thinking.....the middle of the night, there are DEFINITELY less drivers available....so the price was about $70 and I was SO ANNOYED, but wanted to get home.....I woke up the next morning and went to work and THEN realized...."I could have gotten home for $40!! WHAT WAS I THINKING?!?!"

It always behooves you to check the rideshare pricing and decide vs the taxi flat rates (that many, not all cities have)