Taxicab FAQs

I never taken a taxi before, how does it work?

When you call, our dispatch system captures your Caller ID information. The computer than checks our call history to see if you’ve ever called before and brings up any orders that may have been placed from your phone number previously. If you’ve never called us before, then the system only provides your phone number to the dispatcher.

After the dispatcher enters your order, and saves it, the dispatch system automatically selects the closest available taxicab using GPS and offers that cab your order. The driver is not given any information about your order until after he has accepted your trip.

Once the driver accepts your trip, he is then listed as assigned until after he completes your trip, and will not be offered any more jobs.

How much will my ride cost?

Our rates are set by Prince William County to charge $3.00 to start and $0.20 every 1/10 of a mile ($2.00 per mile). The meter also charges $0.20 every 32 seconds when the cab is stopped or slowed to below 15 mph. Our dispatcher can give you an estimate of your trip cost, but it is not a quote.

For example, if you were going to take a trip of 5 miles. The dispatcher would estimate 5 miles x $2.00, add the $3.00 start-fee and then give an estimate cushion by rounding up to the closest $5, and adding $5. So your estimate for a 5 mile trip would be $15-$20.

This does not mean that the actual fare will be that amount, it is often times less, but we would rather tell you $15-$20 and have you pay $12.80 than tell you $13 based solely on the mileage (without taking into account any traffic delays like stop lights, etc.) and have you pay $16.40.

Should I tip my driver and if so, how much?

It is customary to tip your cab driver much like you would a bell-hop, doorman, valet, or wait staff. Generally it is better to tip a driver more on a shorter trip (less than $10) than a long one (more than $30). You should certainly tip a driver based on his performance once he has arrived. Drivers cannot always control when they will arrive.

How long will it take for my cab to arrive?

In most cases our taxis will arrive within 15 minutes of your order. The cab may arrive in as little as 5 minutes, but could take as long as 30 minutes depending upon how busy we are at the time you call and where you are located. Taxicabs are dispatched based on their current location. We have taxicabs throughout Prince William County, so even if you’re in Haymarket, we may have a cab within five miles of your pick-up location. If we don’t, then we will send the closest available cab at the time of your request.

Why would it take longer than 15 minutes?

There are many reasons why a cab may be delayed. The biggest factors are the amount of available taxis, the amount of orders placed prior to yours, the area you are calling from. Sometimes it could be for circumstances beyond anyone’s control such as the cab dispatched broke down or got a flat tire en route and a second cab had to be assigned or the cab assigned was delayed due to traffic obstructions.

Is there any way to help avoid these delays?

Yes! If you know you are going to need a cab in advance, you can request a “time call” for your trip. Time Calls are orders placed for a specific time and are given a priority over other non-prescheduled calls. If you can give us at least an hour’s notice, we can enter that order for you up to a week in advance. Most people schedule Time Calls for early morning pick-ups the night before.

Is my Time Call guaranteed to arrive on time?

Unfortunately it is not. No form of public transportation can guarantee arrival or departure at a specific time. Airlines, buses, and even trains all run on schedules and even they encounter delays. The best thing to do is always allow yourself plenty of time whenever using any form of public transportation. It is always better to arrive a few minutes too early, it’s rarely good to be a few minutes too late.

Will I get a confirmation number for my Time Call?

No. Your telephone number can be used like a confirmation number though. If you call us back from the same number that you used when you placed the order your trip information can be pulled up be the dispatcher. If you call on the day that the trip is scheduled, the trip will come up automatically.

Can I use a taxicab like a courier service?

Certainly! We have several businesses that use us to deliver their packages. Often times these companies find that taxicabs are faster and more reliable than a standard courier. The taxicab will charge the standard meter rate and add a $4.00 delivery charge to the fare.

What are your hours?

Manassas Cab is open 24-hours a day, seven day a week. Manassas Cab has only closed twice in 15-years of operation and both times were for snow-storms in excess of two feet of snow. Even then we were closed for less than 24-hours (just long enough to allow the VDOT crews to get the roads plowed.

Can I still use Manassas Cab, even if it snows?

Yes, but expect severe delays. During severe weather it is probably best to use Manassas Cab for emergencies only. Priority is given to Police Officers, Fire, rescue, and hospital staffing, Dialysis patients, and anybody stranded at work or school trying to get home.

Does Manassas Cab have Holiday hours?

Yes, they are the same as our regular hours. We are open all day, every day!

Does Manassas Cab charge more on holidays, or snow days?

No, but you should certainly tip your driver more on those days!

Does Manassas Cab accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept all major credit cards.