Web Sightings: bing.com/maps' taxi fare calculator

You might be comfortable using MapQuest or Google Maps to get directions, but Bing Maps (bing.com/maps) delivers a new reason to bookmark it - a feature that helps you estimate your cab fare.

The new Taxi Fare Calculator lets you figure out how much a cab may cost when you're searching route directions. We found it was easiest to first plug in our destinations and then toggle between the map apps, such as the taxi calculator, roadside sculptures and Foursquare check-ins.

The app is a little hard to find, though. From the Bing.com home page, click on "maps," then "get more from Bing maps," then the "map apps" icon at the bottom of the page, then pick it out of the list. And remember: You get only an estimate. Actual fares may differ, and you'll need to add a tip. For a trip from Los Angeles International Airport to downtown, Bing displayed a fare of $62.30. But in phone checks, two cab companies quoted $49 - a flat rate set by local authorities. For a short hop from the downtown Millennium Biltmore Hotel to the Los Angeles Convention Center, Bing displayed $6.36, and the cab companies quoted $10.

Bing.com/maps

DESCRIPTION A place to check cab fares

TARGET AUDIENCE Folks who don't like surprises

BOTTOM LINE Needs some work