Today, everyone is running after advanced technology to make their daily lives convenient. One example is taxi booking apps. Earlier, people were supposed to walk on the streets and wait until they found a taxi. But today, the trend has completely changed. Everyone can easily hire a taxi without waiting outside and wasting their precious time. The passenger just needs to install a taxi booking app on their smartphone to book a taxi from the passenger’s location!
The UK has recently become highly popular for online taxi booking services. This guide outlines the best taxi app solutions in the UK.
Key Players of Taxi Booking App in the UK
1. ADDISON LEE
Addison Lee has an interesting history. It was established in 1975 by John Griffin, and the name was selected to position the company at the top of the telephone directory by manipulating the alphabetical order. This London-based service has become a trusted name in the taxi and courier industries.
Addison Lee offers diverse riding options, from daily to high-end executive travel. One can book rides three months before the date of travel, which would be a good choice for planning airport or business trips. The app also supports cash, cards, or an in-app Addison Lee wallet, making the process just about a click. Through its collaboration with ComCab, Addison Lee has earned its position as a significant player in the UK’s transportation network.
2. ARRO
Arro also simplifies everyday transportation through innovative tools for hailing and taxi payments. The passengers are connected to the available drivers nearest to them in both the US and the UK through a user-friendly interface. The appeal of using Arro is its flexible payment options, as people can pay digitally even when they hail taxis in the good old way. It has both iOS and Android support, ensuring convenience and speed at one’s fingertips for the daily commuter in the city.
3. FREENOW
The former name of FREENOW is My Taxi. Its strong presence in the UK and Europe has made a name for itself. After the merger of Mytaxi and Hailo, this company made the platform stand out with a fixed price, live tracking for each ride, and eco-friendliness. A passenger can see the approximate fare before booking and pay through either cash or card.
Moreover, FREENOW has committed to sustainability and introduced greener vehicles in the fleet, reducing urban pollution. Therefore, the focus on reliability and innovation makes FREENOW one of the most sought-after taxi services among passengers.
4. VIA
Since its UK launch in 2018, Via has evolved into a vibrant TransitTech platform. Formed as ViaVan, this New York-based company believes it “transforms public transit from a regulated system of rigid routes and schedules to a fully dynamic, on-demand network.” Commuters in more than 20 countries and 400 cities rely on Via to get where they need to go.
Unlike traditional ride-sharing apps, VIA partners with local authorities to optimize the urban transportation system. Because the app’s algorithm groups passengers in the same direction, shared rides can be cost-effective and economically friendly.
5. WHEELY
Wheely is a niche player that focuses on high-end, chauffeur-driven transportation. It provides luxury vehicles with professional drivers operating in cities such as London, Paris, and Moscow. The attention to detail on the app and premium service make it a preferred choice for corporate clients and individuals who want sophisticated travel options. Whether it is executive airport transfers or special events, the elegance of Wheely sets it apart from the other ride-sharing apps.
6. GETT
Gett was established in 2010, initially focusing on ground transportation management for enterprise clients. Over the years, it has evolved into a full taxi booking application, merging corporate fleet services, ride-hailing, and black cab booking. The main difference of Gett is its focus on licensed black taxis alone, which means high quality and security standards.
Gett also promotes sustainability by making all its UK rides carbon-neutral. This commitment to environmental responsibility aligns with the growing demand for green transportation solutions. Radio Taxis and Xeta are other strategic acquisitions that have helped Gett strengthen its market position and diversify its offerings.
7. TAXI APP UK
Taxi App UK is an attempt by licensed taxi operators to protect their traditional industry while ride-sharing operators are causing fierce competition. The taxi app guarantees superior quality and safety, claiming drivers possess extensive experience and knowledge of complex United Kingdom road networks.
The Taxi App UK has installed electric vehicles that provide full wheelchair accessibility and pet-friendly options, making it a sustainable entity. The drivers’ memberships fund the Taxi App UK; thus, the users and drivers are not biased.
8. UBER
Uber is undoubtedly the dominant player in the taxi booking app industry. In the UK, especially London, it remains a household name. Uber’s intuitive interface allows passengers to book rides, view fare estimates, and track drivers in real-time. Safety features like sharing trip details and accessing driver profiles enhance the user experience.
A standout feature of Uber is its cashless payment system, which supports various methods, including credit cards and PayPal. This convenience and a wide range of vehicle options make Uber popular among commuters.
9. BOLT
Bolt, formerly Taxify, is one of Uber’s most significant European competitors. After its brief absence from the UK market, Bolt relaunched the service in 2019 and has focused on affordability and transparency. The app provides upfront fare estimates based on distance and ride duration, with no hidden costs.
With more than 30,000 drivers in the UK, Bolt covers a vast area. Though it launched food delivery services during the pandemic, it has remained focused on transportation services. The company embraces electric vehicles, aligning them with global trends to become more sustainable.
10. OLA
Ola, a leading transportation player in the UK, ferries millions of passengers in over 250 cities. It has provided different vehicle categories, such as Economy, Comfort, and Premium, catering to diverse users. Ola’s electric cabs represent a commitment to carbon emission reduction.
Unlike competitors like Uber and Bolt, Ola does not offer food delivery. Instead, it emphasizes efficiency and environmental friendliness in taxi services. This strategic move has helped Ola take a significant share of the UK market.
Conclusion
Taxi booking apps can revolutionize transportation with unprecedented convenience and efficiency. These platforms help cater to a broad array of needs across the UK, from economical rides to luxury travel. Entering the taxi app market does hold some great opportunities for businesses that embrace innovation and sustainability. Focusing on user experience, following trends, and adapting to market requirements could shape the urban mobility sector in the future.