Tipping taxi drivers

[skim milk]

how much do you tip? Is it required to pay 15%? I take the cab frequently for my job and the company pays for it, but some don't even help with the luggage and expect a tip.
If the cab drivers don't even help with the luggage, what's the point of tipping?

 

[jarfykk]

Tip based on how well they got you to your destination, provided local information, and length of ride. I consider $1-2 for a shorter ride and $5 or less for longer ones.

Most I've tipped was one taxi who got me from Reagan to Dulles airport (long story, flight delays aren't fun) in record time for a flight I may have otherwise missed...think fare was ~$45 and I gave him 3x $20 bills (didn't have smaller bills and told him to keep it). Often I just tip the change if it is < $5 and I had a pleasant ride.

If they provide zero help and the taxi ride sucks, why would you even think to tip them? Unless you live in a 1-taxi town or something, don't worry about it.

Edit: spelling

 

[maziwanka]

i do 10%

 

[TeeJay1952]

Unless the Driver is Ben Baily (Cash Cab) then 15 to 20 %.

 

[GiggleGirl]

i was just thinking this because i need to take a cab from my house to the bus stop tomorrow and its like a 10 or 15 minute ride at best and was wondering what i should tip. i was thinking 1 or 2 bucks, especially if he puts my suitcase in the trunk for me. lol