Calculate the estimated cost of your trip based on distance, time, and standard yellow cab rates.
Initial charge upon entering.
No Tip
10%
15%
18%
20%
25%
Meter Fare:$0.00
Tip Amount:$0.00
Estimated Total:$0.00
*Estimates only. Actual fare depends on traffic conditions and local regulations.
.calculator-container {
background-color: #fce205; /* Vivid Yellow */
color: #1a1a1a;
max-width: 600px;
margin: 20px auto;
padding: 30px;
border-radius: 12px;
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box-shadow: 0 10px 25px rgba(0,0,0,0.15);
border: 4px solid #000;
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.calculator-header {
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margin-bottom: 25px;
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.calculator-header h2 {
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margin: 0 0 10px 0;
text-transform: uppercase;
letter-spacing: 1px;
font-weight: 900;
color: #000;
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.calculator-grid {
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@media (max-width: 600px) {
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font-size: 16px;
background: #fff;
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.input-group small {
font-size: 11px;
margin-top: 4px;
color: #333;
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.calc-btn {
grid-column: 1 / -1;
background-color: #000;
color: #fce205;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
padding: 15px;
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border-radius: 6px;
cursor: pointer;
text-transform: uppercase;
transition: background 0.3s;
margin-top: 10px;
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.calc-btn:hover {
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.result-box {
background-color: #fff;
border: 3px solid #000;
padding: 20px;
margin-top: 25px;
border-radius: 8px;
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.result-row {
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justify-content: space-between;
margin-bottom: 10px;
font-size: 16px;
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.result-row.total {
margin-top: 15px;
padding-top: 15px;
border-top: 2px dashed #ccc;
font-weight: 900;
font-size: 22px;
color: #000;
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.amount {
font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;
font-weight: bold;
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.disclaimer {
font-size: 11px;
color: #666;
text-align: center;
margin-top: 15px;
font-style: italic;
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function calculateYellowFare() {
// 1. Get input values
var distance = document.getElementById("tripDistance").value;
var duration = document.getElementById("tripDuration").value;
var baseFare = document.getElementById("baseFare").value;
var costPerMile = document.getElementById("costPerMile").value;
var surcharges = document.getElementById("surcharges").value;
var tipPercent = document.getElementById("tipPercent").value;
// 2. Validate inputs
// Ensure values are numbers; default to 0 if empty
var distVal = (distance === "") ? 0 : parseFloat(distance);
var timeVal = (duration === "") ? 0 : parseFloat(duration);
var baseVal = (baseFare === "") ? 0 : parseFloat(baseFare);
var rateMileVal = (costPerMile === "") ? 0 : parseFloat(costPerMile);
var surchargesVal = (surcharges === "") ? 0 : parseFloat(surcharges);
var tipVal = parseFloat(tipPercent);
if (isNaN(distVal) || isNaN(timeVal) || isNaN(baseVal) || isNaN(rateMileVal)) {
alert("Please enter valid numeric values for distance and rates.");
return;
}
// 3. Calculation Logic
// Standard taxi logic: Base + (Miles * Rate) + (Minutes * TimeRate) + Surcharges
// Note: Time rate is often calculated differently (e.g., when moving < 12mph),
// but for a general estimator, we will assume a standard time cost factor.
// A common approximation for wait time is $0.50 per minute (approx $30/hr).
var timeRatePerMin = 0.50;
var distanceCost = distVal * rateMileVal;
var timeCost = timeVal * timeRatePerMin;
var subTotal = baseVal + distanceCost + timeCost + surchargesVal;
var tipAmount = subTotal * (tipVal / 100);
var grandTotal = subTotal + tipAmount;
// 4. Output Results
document.getElementById("meterSubtotal").innerText = "$" + subTotal.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("tipAmount").innerText = "$" + tipAmount.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById("totalFare").innerText = "$" + grandTotal.toFixed(2);
// Show result box
document.getElementById("fareResult").style.display = "block";
}
Understanding Yellow Cab Fares
The iconic "Yellow Cab" is a staple of city transportation, particularly in metropolises like New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Unlike rideshare apps that provide upfront pricing based on dynamic algorithms, traditional yellow taxis use a taximeter system. This Yellow Taxi Fare Estimator helps you predict your travel costs by breaking down the standard components of a metered fare.
How the Meter Works
Taxi fares are rarely a flat rate. They are calculated dynamically as you drive based on a combination of distance and time. Understanding these variables can help you budget for your trip better.
Base Fare (Flag Drop): This is the fixed amount charged the moment you enter the taxi and the driver activates the meter. In many cities, this ranges from $2.50 to $3.50.
Mileage Rate: The primary cost driver. As the wheels turn, the meter adds a specific amount for every fraction of a mile traveled.
Idle/Time Rate: If the taxi is stuck in traffic (moving very slowly) or stopped at a light, the meter switches from measuring distance to measuring time. This is why a short trip can become expensive during rush hour.
Surcharges and Extras
When estimating your "Yellow" fare, do not forget to account for mandatory surcharges that are often added automatically by the meter or the driver:
Improvement Surcharges: Small fees (e.g., $0.30) added to fund public transportation or taxi medallions.
Night/Peak Surcharges: Many cities implement a surcharge (e.g., $0.50 to $1.00) for trips taken between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM, or during evening rush hours (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
Tolls: If your route crosses bridges or tunnels, the passenger is responsible for the full toll amount, which is added to the final meter reading.
Tipping Etiquette
Tipping is customary for yellow taxi services. While 15% is the standard baseline for acceptable service, tips often range up to 20% or 25% for a smooth ride, assistance with heavy luggage, or efficient navigation through heavy traffic. This calculator includes a tipping feature to help you see the "out the door" price.
Yellow Cab vs. Rideshare
While apps offer convenience, yellow cabs often have the advantage of "street hailing" without the need for a smartphone or data connection. Furthermore, yellow cabs typically do not have "surge pricing" multipliers that can go as high as 3x or 4x during bad weather or holidays. While there are rush hour surcharges, they are fixed amounts rather than multipliers, making yellow cabs a potentially cheaper option during peak demand events.