Key Takeaways
- Uber Taxi integrates existing taxi networks into Uber’s app, enhancing traditional taxi use.
- Users book, track, and pay for taxi rides directly through the Uber app.
- Pricing for Uber Taxi is transparent, avoiding surge pricing, using metered rates.
- Uber Taxi is currently available in select major cities globally, with plans for expansion.
What is Uber Taxi?
Uber Taxi is one of many of Uber’s service offerings, such as UberX, Uber Green, Uber Rent, or Uber Black.
Uber launched this newer ride type back in 2020, utilizing the taxi network already operating in your area.
Uber Taxi connects people in need of rides with licensed taxis when they put in a request via the app.
So instead of getting around in a privately owned car, you ride in a local cab with a certified driver.
This operation model reduces traffic congestion in cities with busy streets as it uses vehicles already in circulation.
It also boosts the business of taxi drivers which took a hit with the spread of rideshare apps.
Uber Taxi merges the best of both worlds for riders who prefer cabs or live where regulations interrupt rideshare services.
They can enjoy the convenience of easy booking, cashless payment, and tracking along with 24/7 availability.
How Uber Taxi Works
Uber Taxi is one of the top-rated taxi apps in NYC and about 20 other major cities in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. These include Chicago, London, Prague, Madrid, Hong Kong, and Seoul.
If you can’t see the Uber Taxi service on your app, be sure to check it from time to time for updates.
That said, if you’re already in an area where the service operates, here’s how it works:
Booking a Ride
Similar to standard Uber rides, you request an Uber Taxi ride through the app.
Start by opening it on your phone and then inputting your destination and pickup locations.
The app will then prompt you to choose a ride type, so select Taxi and wait for a match.
Once the app assigns you a driver, you’ll be able to view the cab details and track its route.
Ride Experience
The type of car you’ll ride in is whatever your city uses as a local certified taxi.
You can expect high professionalism as the drivers are fully licensed and registered within the city’s transportation department.
At the end of the ride, you can express your opinion of the taxi driver and vice versa through Uber’s two-way rating system.
Payment Process
You can choose your preferred method of payment from the app as with regular Uber rides while booking the trip.
You can go cashless and save yourself the hassle of exchanging bills. The final price includes a base rate, a booking fee, and a service fee.
Pricing Structure
As with standard Uber rides, you’ll be charged when you arrive at your destination. You’ll also find that the payment options for Uber Taxi rides are the same.
This means you can pay online, unlike the traditional way of handing cash to the cab driver. The cost of using Uber Taxi factors in three main fees; a booking fee, a flat fee, and a gratuity.
Each of these fees varies depending on the area you’re in, the time of the trip, and its distance. The booking fee is often $1 to $2 whereas the gratuity is typically 20%.
As for the flat rate, it depends on the minimum metered rates that local authorities set for taxi fares.
Unlike regular Uber rides, these fares don’t change during peak hours when the demand is higher. This allows for more accurate estimations of ride costs.
In addition to the base fare, traditional taxi rides calculate an additional fare per mile and fee for waiting time in traffic.
These aspects give Uber Taxi an edge when it comes to transportation costs. The savings are even more significant if you consider the use of Uber promotions and codes.
Advantages of Uber Taxi
Here are a few reasons why many riders recommend adding Uber Taxi to your urban mobility options:
1. Convenience
The ease of booking a ride via Uber Taxi is one of the service’s biggest advantages.
You don’t have to wait on the street for an available cab or go through a whole phone call when you’re in a hurry.
A few taps on your smartphone and you’ll be assigned a driver with a clear estimate of the waiting time until arrival.
You also have access to in-app payment so you never have to worry about having enough cash.
2. Safety Features
Uber Taxi offers various measures to ensure your safety. You can share your ride with Trusted Contacts and keep tabs on your ride status via GPS tracking.
There are also safety check-ins and upfront driver/vehicle information.
3. Transparent Pricing
Unlike other Uber services that factor in peak hours, Uber Taxi doesn’t use surge prices. This allows for better fare calculation transparency.
Uber Taxi vs. Traditional Taxis and Uber Rides
There are several reasons a taxi is different from Uber, and how the two differ from Uber Taxi.
Here’s a comparison between the three popular ride options to help you figure out which one best fits your needs:
Convenience
Uber Taxi is more convenient than traditional taxis thanks to the quick and simple booking process. All it takes is a couple of minutes on the app to find a certified driver and taxi.
You also receive an estimated arrival time so you can wait inside until the vehicle is there to collect you.
You don’t need to stand on the street calling out for a cab or wait aimlessly until a free one comes along.
Pricing
The price format of Uber Taxi beats both standard Uber and traditional taxi services.
Uber Taxi doesn’t follow a surge pricing format, which eliminates the hike in price associated with regular Uber rides.
It also makes the estimated cost more accurate as it relies on set metered prices.
Uber Taxi also supports better fare predictability compared to taxis. The app offers you a more detailed explanation of the fees you’re paying, which is never the case with a typical cab ride.
Not to mention, regular taxi drivers expect tipping at least 10% from riders. But with Uber Taxi, you can tip however you’re comfortable or even not at all.
Availability
Uber Taxi doesn’t have the widest coverage yet.
Its operation relies on the presence of an established taxi network, which limits it to large cities (and maybe some medium-sized ones).
Still, several major cities are waiting for the Uber Taxi service to roll in.
However, in the areas where Uber Taxi is available, the service has high availability since it uses extensive taxi networks.
This means you’re more likely to find a ride anytime you need with minimal wait times.
User Experience
Your Uber Taxi experience will be as professional as they get since your driver will be fully licensed by the local authorities.
You’ll also enjoy the comfort of door-to-door transportation and the convenience of not having to discuss the fare.
If you live in a place where Uber regulations are always changing or you prefer the immediacy of cabs, Uber Taxi can be a reliable transportation mode.
Tips for First-Time Users
If you’re a first-time Uber Taxi user, the following tips will help you make the most out of the service:
- Check your app or city’s website to see the availability of the service in your area.
- Pay attention to the driver and vehicle information to maximize your safety.
- Consider tipping your driver if they performed well.
- Rate the driver to ensure safe and enjoyable rides for other users.
- Look over the fare structure to understand what you’re paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Ubers Cheaper Than Taxis?
The Uber Taxi service is likely to be cheaper than cabs in most locations. Not only does it offer a set metered fare, but you can often use a promotional code for a discount.
That said, the cost of Uber Taxi and how much it saves will always depend on your area.
Can I Pay Uber With Cash?
Yes, similar to standard Uber rides, you can pay Uber Taxi with cash.
Make sure to choose the Cash option from the Payment section in your app before you request a ride. Hand the amount specified at the end of the trip to the driver directly.
Are Ubers Safer Than Taxis?
Both taxis and Uber do background checks on drivers, but Uber has additional measures in place to boost riders’ safety.
Uber supports GPS tracking so your trusted contact can know where you are throughout the trip.
You also get access to the driver and vehicle information, along with features like Emergency Assistance and Safety Center.
