Taxi Interrupted

Jim-Ignatowski-Louie-De-Palma-taxi-1978-tv-series-31056092-800-600The New York Times reports on the effect of choice architecture on tips for taxi drivers:

The increase in tips, however, may have less to do with New Yorkers’ generosity than with the preset amounts suggested to passengers on the taxi’s software systems. In many of the city’s cabs, riders are offered options for their tip depending on the length of the ride. For fares under $15, a screen prompts tips of $2, $3 or $4; the numbers can range from 15 percent to 30 percent for higher fares. The presets are used about 70 percent of the time, according to industry estimates.

For the full story, click here.

(Note: this entry originally appeared at consumerology.com)

About the author

Bob

View all posts