Small talk isn’t dead!
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Over two-thirds of Brits are more likely to tip a sociable cabbie
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Almost two-thirds said they would tip more for a longer/late-night journey
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Drivers who help with luggage are the most likely to receive a generous tip
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The average tipping amount in British cabs is £3.22
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Nearly 1 in 5 said they would pay more than £5 for a chatty driver
Taxi apps might have ‘silent ride’ options, but Brits do still prefer a chatty taxi driver, a new survey finds.
Of those who tipped, cash is still king for the taxi community with 73 per cent of people saying they tipped in cash versus just 21 per cent tipping online or on an app.
The survey commissioned by The Taxi Centre found that while less than half of Brits (46 per cent) say they tip their taxi driver for any Conversely, nearly half (46 per cent) said they journey, 66 per cent said they are more likely would tip drivers more often if it was easier to to tip their cabbie if they are sociable. tip, such as via contactless payment, suggesting taxi tipping may be in need of a Of those 66 per cent, one quarter (25 per cent) digital re-brand along with the service. said they are much more likely to tip if they have good chat. Only 5 per cent said they never tip taxi drivers and just 2 per cent said they are less likely to Almost two thirds (65 per cent) in the Taxi tip a sociable driver. Centre survey agree that they are more likely to tip a taxi driver for a longer journey (20 Reasons for not tipping a taxi drivers minutes or more) and/or one that is late at included: taxis are too expensive as it is (41 night. per cent), it’s their job (32 per cent), and riders don’t think they take long enough journeys to Generally, riders agree with taxi drivers justify a tip (24 per cent). charging a premium rate for late-night journeys or during peak times (39 per cent). A little over one-third (31 per cent) disagrees As for what would encourage Brits to tip more with the premium charges based on these in general, almost half (48 per cent) said they factors. would front extra cash if their driver helped with their luggage. This was followed by As for how much Brits are likely to pay their conscientious driving (36 per cent) and cabbie, the average tipping amount among the offering to pick up a friend on the way (33 per 2,000 survey participants was £3.22. Nearly cent). a fifth (18 per cent) said they would tip up to a fiver, while 19 per cent said they would be happy to pay £5 or more. 38
