One of those who has experienced this on his wallet is former channel host and host of NRK, Terje Sølsnes.
Earlier in December, Sølsnes landed at Gardermoen at 23.30, before he had to undergo corona testing. This meant that he was not out of the airport until closer to 01.30, just over half an hour late for the last flight.
– The alternatives were either to take a taxi or to go home to Uranienborg, says Sølsnes.
Not surprisingly, the choice fell on the first option. This would prove to be very expensive.
No fixed price
Sølsnes says that there were few taxis outside Gardermoen, and no fixed price offer.
– I think it’s pretty lugubrious all together. In the old days, as we like to say, people went to a counter and were told what the trip would cost. It was clear and fine.
He says that several have told him that it is still like that, with a screen where you can order a taxi and find out the price in advance, but this was not available so late. Therefore, Sølsnes ended up having to manage on his own.
– After the release of taxis, I experience that it is completely wild in the industry. You are tricked into something you do not really know what it entails.
– I looked for Oslo Taxi, which is a company I know, but there were none of them there. Then there was a man standing there asking if I wanted a cab. I had not intended to go to Oslo, so I sat down. The driver was a nice guy and we chatted, so I saw that it went terribly fast on the taximeter. I asked if they had a fixed price, but they did not, Sølsnes stated.
Thus, the trip ended at 2175 kroner. The former NRK man has told about the experience to some friends, and the reactions have not been long in coming.
– It all ended with a friend asking why in the world I came home, and I think that is really a good question. A friend wrote that I should call Oslo Taxi, and agreed with me that the release is completely wild.
– I could in principle fly to a warmer place for that price.
Sentrum Taxi, which Sølsnes drove with, has not responded to TV 2 helper inquiries.
– Ask about price before you get into the taxi
The Norwegian Taxi Association is aware that some taxi centers charge so well for a trip from Gardermoen to Oslo. However, it is up to each taxi station to set the prices of the trips. They have a clear tip for the customer.
– It is important that all passengers ask about the price before getting into a taxi as the taxi centers can decide the prices themselves. Some taxi exchanges have a “fixed price” and some have a parallel fare (running on a taximeter). All passengers should be informed of the price when boarding a taxi, but I know that this is unfortunately rarely followed up in the industry. The passenger will then receive the lowest price of the price offer and the taximeter price when they arrive, writes director of the Norwegian Taxi Association, Hanne Skåle Thowesen, to TV 2 help you.