Snowfalls cause 25% rise in Moscow taxi ride times
The streets of the capital continue to be covered with snow. The bad weather has affected road users. Due to heavy precipitation, the duration of taxi rides has increased by an average of 25%, and in some areas of Moscow — by 1.5–2 times.
— A usual route that takes about 20 minutes on a normal day could be 40 minutes or more during snowfall, which affected the final price even with the same trip distance, — commented the press service of Yandex Taxi. — Drivers needed more time to complete a trip and accept the next order. Also, the search and wait time for a car increased — by an average of 10–15%, reaching up to 15 minutes in some locations.
During the bad weather, the average fare for trips also increased. Compared to similar days last week, the price rose by 20–25%. It is noted that the peak increase in the average fare occurred on Wednesday morning — up to 30%. The situation is linked to the increase in trip durations. Slightly less impact on the price came from the automatic activation of the surge multiplier — it appears when there are not enough drivers in the area for all orders.
According to the service«s data, demand for taxis surged on the morning of January 27. From 6:00 to 9:00 on the two following days of snowfall, strong spikes in the number of orders continued. In the evening, demand was also significantly higher than usual on weekdays, with the evening peak hours starting an hour earlier — from 17:00, and lasting until late evening.
The imbalance between the number of people wanting to take a taxi and the number of drivers available for orders was most pronounced outside the Third Transport Ring, mainly in the north, northeast, and southwest of the capital, as well as at transport hubs: metro stations, bus and tram stops. In the city center, the situation was more calm.
The taxi«s press service emphasizes: despite the bad weather, fares did not change. However, during periods of increased demand and driver shortage in a specific area, the surge multiplier is automatically activated. This measure is temporary and helps attract more drivers to the line.
