In 2004, Desai negotiated a fare increase with Matthew Daus, the previous T.L.C. commissioner, which was the first such increase to result in a raise for drivers.
I am ashamed to say that after eight months in Gaudi's city, my Spanish barely extended past being able to negotiate a good fare in a taxi.
"This can help when negotiating a cab fare or tour.
Sunil Paul, the founder of SideCar, says that because the drivers do not necessarily get paid — a fare is negotiated for each ride and is referred to as a donation — the drivers are not professionals, and thus not subject to the same regulation as taxis and black car services.
She recently negotiated a special $135 one-way fare for a group of Alvin Ailey dancers for a noon flight on American Airlines from Austin, Tex., to New York; the unrestricted one-way fare on that route is around $800, Ms. Agriss said.
DON'T forget to negotiate your fare up front if you plan to take a bici-cab (a Cuban pedi-cab), coco cab (a tiny round vehicle that looks like a wheeled Pac-Man) or a traditional taxi.
These are unmetered, so it's essential to negotiate the fare before boarding: Ksh1,700 (£14) is about right for a ride to central Nairobi, and similar fares apply from the centre to the various out-of-town venues detailed below.
Mr. Sander, who earns $350,000 annually, drew criticism last year for negotiating a $10,000 raise even as he was asking riders to pay more through a fare increase.
In town, bajaj (motor-rickshaws) and ojek (motorbike taxis) are the fastest way to get around, but make sure you negotiate your fare before getting in.
