Taxis are usually not cheaper than ubers and lyfts. In very specific situations they may be cheaper, but on the whole they're not. What you're describing isn't

Taxis are usually not cheaper than ubers and lyfts. In very specific situations they may be cheaper, but on the whole they're not. What you're describing isn't a feature of taxis. It's illegal, unless the city has determined that a flat rate must be used (like to/from the airport). This actually is a feature of uber/lyft, though. They show you a flat rate up-front, prior to calling a ride.