We took a taxi meter out of an Octavia and found an extra switch, every time it was operated the meter went up by 50p.

TBH one reason i bought an Octavia was because a local taxi firm i used a fair bit had a few, one with 250k miles on the clock with nothing more needed other than "normal servicing and general wear and tear". i must say i havn't looked back. VFM i dont think you can beat them.

We took a taxi meter out of an Octavia and found an extra switch, every time it was operated the meter went up by 50p.

Not sure thats technicaly possible, the only way it could affect the meter was if it simulated a gala signal pulse, as thats how meters work these days (no gearbox drive mechanical stuff anymore) it'd need some fancy electonics to add extra 'pulses' into the feed, they have to be timed correctly too! all a switch would do is stop the gala signal and therefore stop the meter!

I thought that fares used to start at a set amount based on number of passengers and then increase based on distance, so this switch could be to set the initial passenger portion? Maybe that's not the way it works any more.

I thought that fares used to start at a set amount based on number of passengers and then increase based on distance, so this switch could be to set the initial passenger portion? Maybe that's not the way it works any more.

No it's not, the start rate when you get in the cab is the same no matter how many people you are carrying, most firms dont charge for extra passengers or luggage any more, but if they do that is what the 'Extras' button is for on the meter, and the amount of 'Extras' must be displayed separately to the actual fare untill you press the 'total' button which combines the 2 at the end of the journey.

The fare itself is calculated by time + distance which is why the fare still goes up when the vehicle is stationary.

There would be no reason for a 'Taxi' button on UK cabs as all are required by law to have a taxi meter fitted, on the continent however, where cabs dont always have meters fitted and you must agree a price with the driver beforehand there would be a need for a button to illuminate the taxi roof sign.