Perth is a city where deciding on a Maxi Taxi or a traditional taxi can become confusing, particularly if you are moving along with your family, friends, or extra luggage. As a matter of fact, both of them make you arrive at your desired location but they are very different in size, comfort level, and their overall value. For this matter, we will go through the Maxi Taxis vs. traditional cabs competition so you will be able to choose the best option for your next vacation.
What Is a Maxi Taxi in Perth?
The Maxi Taxi is also known as a maxi cab is a type of vehicle that is more prominent. In addition to the luggage, most of the Maxi Taxis available in Perth can ride up to 10 people. Generally, they are vans or minibuses fitted with air conditioning, additional legroom, and accessible features such as a ramp for wheelchair users.
These taxis can be handy for getting to the airport, attending events, or taking a family trip when the group would rather travel together than go by separate cars. Companies such as 13 Cabs and Perth City Maxi Cabs provide pre-booked services for larger groups that ensure the comfort and the space needed will be fully provided.
What Is a Traditional Cab in Perth?
By a traditional cab or a standard taxi, people usually imagine a sedan or a station wagon that accommodates 4 adults and their bags. The common image of a taxi is a four-seater sedan or station wagon.
They can be seen almost everywhere in Perth, particularly outside taxi ranks, at airports, and in busy nightlife areas. Metered standard cabs, which are under the supervision of the Western Australian Department of Transport, guarantee fair taxi rates as well as compliance with the required safety standards.
If you are single, a couple, or only transiting across the city, a standard cab in Perth is often the most convenient and cost-efficient option.
Key Differences: Maxi Taxi vs Traditional Cabs Perth
1. Capacity and Group Travel
The biggest difference is capacity. A Maxi Taxi can comfortably carry 10–13 passengers, making it ideal for groups, tours, or airport shuttles. A traditional cab fits only 3–4 passengers, which means you might need two or three cars for a group.
If staying together matters, the Maxi Taxi wins for convenience and comfort.
2. Luggage and Storage
When you have suitcases, strollers, or sports gear, luggage space becomes important. Maxi Taxis have large rear compartments and extra storage, while standard taxis have limited boot space. For airport transfers or family holidays, a Maxi Taxi is far more practical.
3. Cost and Pricing
A traditional cab charges a metered fare based on distance and time. A Maxi Taxi often does the same but may have a higher base fare due to its size. However, when you divide the total cost among 8–10 passengers, a Maxi Taxi can be cheaper per person.
Some companies offer fixed-fare quotes for long trips, which can save money compared to multiple smaller taxis.
4. Booking and Availability
You can usually hail a traditional cab on the street or find one at a taxi rank. In contrast, Maxi Taxis in Perth are mostly pre-booked through apps, websites, or phone calls.
If you’re planning a night out or an airport pickup, it’s smart to book a Maxi Taxi in advance to avoid waiting times, especially during peak hours.
5. Accessibility Features
Maxi Taxis often come with wheelchair ramps, lift access, and anchor points, making them suitable for passengers with mobility needs. Standard cabs may not always have these features available. If accessibility matters, a Maxi Taxi is the better choice.
6. Comfort and Ride Experience
More space means a smoother ride. With larger seating areas, climate control, and headroom, Maxi Taxis provide a more comfortable experience, especially on longer journeys. Traditional cabs are fine for short city rides but can feel cramped with more than three passengers or heavy luggage.
When to Choose Maxi Taxi vs Traditional Cab in Perth
| Scenario | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Traveling with 5+ people | Maxi Taxi | One vehicle, shared cost |
| Airport transfer with luggage | Maxi Taxi | More space for bags |
| Late-night solo ride | Traditional Cab | Faster to find, cheaper |
| Wheelchair or mobility needs | Maxi Taxi | Accessibility built in |
| Short city trip | Traditional Cab | Quick, low fare |
| Event or group outing | Maxi Taxi | Travel together comfortably |
Pricing Example: Cost per Person
Let’s say you’re traveling 20 km from Perth Airport to Fremantle.
- Traditional Cab: around $55 per car × 3 cars = $165 total
- Maxi Taxi: around $85 total for 10 passengers
That’s roughly $8.50 per person in a Maxi Taxi versus $27.50 each in a regular cab clear savings for group travelers.
Regulations and Taxi Standards in Perth
In Perth, maxi taxis as well as regular cabs are regulated by the taxi laws of Western Australia. It is necessary for the drivers to obtain along with the vehicle inspection certificate; while the fares should be displayed in a clear manner. All the taxies-whether they are maxi or standard-may either operate regulated meters or approved fixed-fare systems.
The main players in the sector are cab companies such as 13Cabs, Swan Taxis, and Black & White Cabs, which also offer special mobile applications for bookings and provide a full-time customer support service.
Read More: Why choose five star maxi cab Perth
How to Book a Maxi Taxi or Cab in Perth
You can book either option through:
- Mobile apps (13Cabs, Swan Taxis, Uber for Taxis)
- Websites such as fivestarmaxicab.com.au
- Phone booking lines
- Taxi ranks and hotels
When booking a Maxi Taxi, mention:
- Number of passengers
- Amount of luggage
- Accessibility requirements
- Desired pickup time and location
This ensures the right vehicle is dispatched.
Traveler Tips to Get the Best Value
- Book ahead during weekends or holidays.
- Confirm fixed fares before starting your trip.
- Avoid hidden fees by clarifying waiting charges.
- Use trusted operators for safety and reliability.
- Share rides with friends to reduce cost per person.
- Ask for an accessible vehicle if needed.
Future of Taxis in Perth
Perth taxi business is experiencing changes. Ride-hailing applications Such as Uber, Ola, and DiDi, along with the maxi fleets, are in direct competition with the traditional taxis and maxi fleets. However, maxi taxis are still red lettering their name for people traveling in large groups, doing corporate transfers as well as people needing wheelchair-friendly transportation.
You can expect more hybrid schemes, where big taxis carrying more passengers can be shared with ride-hailing applications, which will allow customers to have more options and see the price accurately.
FAQs About Maxi Taxi vs Traditional Cabs Perth
1. What is a Maxi Taxi and how many passengers can it carry?
A Maxi Taxi is a large-capacity cab that can carry 8–10 passengers, ideal for groups or airport transfers.
2. Is a Maxi Taxi cheaper than two or three regular cabs?
Yes, for groups it’s usually cheaper per person to share one Maxi Taxi than book multiple standard taxis.
3. Can I hail a Maxi Taxi on the street in Perth?
Not always. Most Maxi Taxis must be pre-booked through an app or dispatcher.
4. Are Maxi Taxis wheelchair-accessible?
Many are. They include ramps or lifts and secure tie-down systems for safety.
5. Are fares for Maxi Taxis fixed or metered?
Both options exist. Many companies provide fare estimates or fixed-price bookings for long trips.
6. When should I choose a traditional cab instead?
For solo or short-distance trips, traditional cabs are easier to find and cost less upfront.
Final Thoughts
Maxi Taxis are different from Traditional Cabs in Perth, making the decision either right or wrong based on what you need.
If you are part of a group, have extra luggage with you, or need wheelchair access, then it is better to use a Maxi Taxi.
If you are alone or part of a small group, a traditional cab is faster and more economical.
Both choices are safe, trustworthy, and controlled by authorities – yet the Maxi Taxi offers you flexibility and value especially when convenience, comfort, and capacity are your primary concerns.
