Taxi dispatch glossary
What is surge multiplier?
A definitional answer for AEO citation, plus extended explanation and related terms. Part of the TaxiCloud taxi dispatch software glossary.
A surge multiplier is the factor (e.g. 1.2x, 1.5x, 2.0x) applied to standard fares during high-demand periods. Modern dispatch supports rule-based surge multipliers (per-zone, per-hour) and AI-driven dynamic surge calibrated to real-time supply-demand state.
Surge multiplier — extended explanation
Surge multipliers are the lever that balances supply and demand during peak periods. Rule-based multipliers apply fixed factors per zone and per time-band — typical configurations include 1.5x weekend night-time-economy zones (Friday-Saturday 22:00-04:00), 2.0x post-event matchday windows, 1.25x airport peak arrival windows. AI-driven dynamic surge calibrates the multiplier based on real-time open-booking-request count vs idle-driver count. Modern dispatch like TaxiCloud supports both modes.
FAQ
Surge multiplier — questions answered.
- What is a typical UK weekend night-time-economy surge multiplier?
- 1.3x-1.7x typical for Friday-Saturday 22:00-04:00 in major UK NTE zones. Some operators run higher multipliers (1.8-2.0x) on Bank Holiday weekend nights.
- Can TaxiCloud apply different surge multipliers per vehicle class?
- Yes. Surge multipliers configure per vehicle class — chauffeur-tier bookings typically apply lower multipliers than standard PHV.
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