Three London taxi drivers have launched Taxiapp as a response to disruptor brands such as Uber and Lyft. The Silicon Valley backed enterprises have launched in the UK with the intention of increasing choice and empowering customers, though have been criticised for service quality, driver vetting standards and unfair competitive practices.
Low Cost to Cabbies
Taxiapp provides a digital platform for the black cab trade that will enable customers to book a cab as happens with Uber and Lyft. Rather than have a fixed price, the fare will be decided by meter. Payment can be made in app or in the cab, with either cash or card. Drivers will be better off as it will only cost the equivalent of 67p per day rather than taking a substantial commission from each job, as per the business model of the disruptors. Any Android or IOS smartphone or tablet can be used to run the app.
Drivers will be better off as it will only cost the equivalent of 67p per day rather than taking a substantial commission.
Customer Convenience
Hailing a cab on the street is also catered for by the latest version of the app, with new functionality that allows the customer to see how many cars are waiting at a rank or on a street, allowing them to go out and hail a cab without pre-booking. Taxiapp offers a convenient, on-demand, cashless service with the customer having the added security of an experienced, fully vetted driver at the wheel who has gone through the rigorous training of The Knowledge.
Growing User Base
The app is solely for the London market at present, with 1,600 out of 22,000 potential drivers having signed up and 3,200 customers already having downloaded. It is likely that these numbers will grow substantially in the coming months, especially among customers who are looking for a premium service. Taxiapp has been launched by taxi professionals for the trade and may point the way to a digital led future for black cab drivers across the nation.