FREENOW FIXED PRICES: More detail around the fixed price zones, pricing algorithm and transparent commission
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
FREENOW has launched a new fleet feature offering fixed fares for Black Cab journeys that begin outside Central London. The move is designed to increase ride demand while allowing drivers to retain control over which jobs they accept.
TaxiPoint spoke to FREENOW to gather more detail around the new feature. The new fare option is available only for trips starting beyond the Central Activity Zone (CAZ). This zone includes the City of London and parts of several boroughs such as Westminster, Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth, Kensington & Chelsea, and Wandsworth. FREENOW says it may adjust the CAZ boundaries to ensure drivers receive job offers that suit them.
Drivers opting into the scheme will see the fixed fare upfront before accepting the job. FREENOW confirmed that the fare displayed to the driver matches the passenger’s price, meaning commission rates remain transparent and unchanged.
The pricing model has been pitched at a more competitive level to boost demand. According to FREENOW, fares may fall below the meter in some cases, but the aim is to offer drivers more frequent jobs overall. Pricing levels will be monitored and adjusted as needed to support driver earnings.
The option remains voluntary. Standard metered jobs will still make up the majority of rides offered through the app. Fixed fares will not apply to prebooked trips or affect existing airport fixed fare offers.
FREENOW says the update responds to driver feedback, with many requesting fixed fare options for trips into Central London and to major destinations like airports. The ability to choose whether to accept a fixed fare was seen as essential by cabbies surveyed.
The firm also believes the change meets rising passenger demand for fare certainty, encouraging more bookings through the platform. Jobs under the fixed fare scheme will be clearly marked within the app to avoid confusion.
FREENOW describes the scheme as part of wider efforts to create new demand streams while maintaining the independent working model for Black Cab drivers.
