Traditional taxis in Delhi have black body and yellow top. They are also known as 'kaali-peeli' in the taxi drivers' parlance. Most of the taxis are made from second hand Ambassador or Fiat cars. The taxi drivers can afford to run these used cars as they are expert at repairing and running them.
Though taxis are easily available in Delhi, they are not common man's means of transport as their charges are much higher than those of the auto-rickshaws. They are, therefore, either used by the affluent classes or as unavoidable options by the middle classes especially when they have to go the airports or carry sick passengers to the hospitals. Taxis are most often used by the tourists from foreign countries.
Though taxis are equipped with electronic meters, most people prefer bargaining the fares because either the meters are not dependable or the taxi drivers take convoluted routes to increase the distance and charge higher fares especially from the passengers who are not well versed with the city routes.
The tourism ministry also grants permits to private companies to run taxis. The companies like the Hertz Car Rental and Avis Car Rental provide taxi services.
Of late, with the increased influx of the tourists to Delhi, better brand and high tech taxis are also available. You can spot Tata Indica, Toyota Qualis, Ford Ikon and Tata Indigo cars being used as taxis.
Recently radio taxis have started plying on the Delhi roads. There are brands like Mega Cabs, Ezee Cabs which are slightly costlier than the ordinary taxis but provide on -call service.
Tourists can, depending upon their number and budget, hire budget cars, mid-size cars, large vans, SUVs and luxury coaches.
The transport department of the Delhi government has also fixed the taxi fares effective from 6th June, 2007. Here is the relevant part of the notification:
TAXIS (BLACK & YELLOW TOP):-
(i) Fare - Rs.15/- for First kilometer (upon downing
the meter) and thereafter Rs.8.50 per
kilometer for every additional kilometer;
(ii) Night charges - 25% of the fare (11.00 P.M. to 05.00 A.M);
(iii) Waiting Charges - Rs.25/- per hour or part thereof (subject to
Minimum of 15 minutes stay);
(iv)Luggage Charges - Rs.10/- per piece except for shopping bags
or a small attaché case.
RADIO TAXIS:-
A uniform rate of Rs 15/- per kilometer with night charges, during 11
PM to 5 AM, @ 25 % over the normal fare.
SCHOOL CABS (for the period of actual use for carrying school children):-
(a) Rs.2.50 per kilometer per day up to first 04(four) kilometer;
(b) Rs.2.00 per kilometer per day for every additional kilometer after first
04(four) kilometers and up to 10(ten) kms.
(c) Rs.1.50 per kilometer for every additional kilometer after 10 (ten) km.
(The minimum fare chargeable for 02(two) kilometers for one way journey
irrespective of the journey undertaken).
There is also a provision for prepaid taxis from the international and domestic airports.