Starttarieven

Starttarieven are fixed initial charges applied at the start of a service or contract. The term is commonly used in transport and logistics, but can also appear in other sectors where a base fee is charged before variable costs accrue. The starttarief is designed to cover fixed costs and to signal the beginning of service, after which distance-, time-, or other variable charges are added.

In transport, the starttarief is most familiar as the base fare on a taxi meter or in ride-hailing apps. This base fee is charged when the ride is initiated or when the vehicle starts moving, and is followed by additional charges such as per-kilometer rates and per-minute waiting fees. Some services also apply a minimum fare, which effectively acts as a starttarief. Regional differences can be significant, with municipalities or operators setting or publishing their own base fares and surcharges, including night rates or airport fees.

Other sectors use starttarieven as well. Public transportation may apply a base fare for a journey, while courier and delivery services often charge a pickup or base fee in addition to distance-based charges. In energy or telecom contexts, a starttarief may refer to an initial connection or activation charge, though this usage varies by market and regulatory framework.

Regulation and consumer information emphasize transparency, with price lists or app displays ideally showing the starttarief clearly and allowing customers to estimate total costs. As a pricing component, the starttarief influences consumer choices, pricing competition, and service design.