Inconvenient UK Transport? Top 5 UK Taxi-Booking Apps!

Navigating a new country can be challenging for students new to the UK. Not being familiar with the environment or understanding the complex subway maps might make calling a taxi seem like an immediate solution. While hailing a taxi in the UK is undoubtedly convenient, taxis are not always readily available. Although Uber might come to mind when thinking of UK taxi-booking apps, there are several other commendable taxi platforms and apps worth exploring. Next, Cyclopes introduces you to Uber UK, the UK's Black Cab, and four other popular local taxi-booking platforms.

Uber, with a global presence, is not only popular and convenient but also adheres to high standards in the UK. Uber drivers must hold a valid UK driving license, have a minimum of three years of driving experience, a clean traffic record, appropriate car insurance, and a private hire vehicle (PHV) license issued by the UK government. These regulations ensure passenger safety, making Uber a cost-effective choice for booking rides in the UK.

While Uber services are provided by private car drivers, the UK's Black Cab is a taxi service regulated by the British government. Each registered driver on the platform must undergo strict screening, such as submitting a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certification to prove a clean criminal record and passing the Knowledge of London exam to demonstrate their ability to serve customers. Qualified drivers also receive a PHV from Black Cab. However, it’s important to note that Black Cab's service area is limited to London.

Although Black Cab does not have its own booking platform, passengers can hail a Black Cab on the streets or at designated taxi stands. They can also book online or through other UK taxi-booking platforms introduced below. Notably, Black Cab is expected to join Uber in early 2024, providing an additional booking option.

Source: Freepik

Other UK Taxi-Booking Apps Besides Uber

In addition to Uber, several other taxi-booking apps in the UK offer transportation services.

Minicabs.co.uk is another significant taxi platform in the UK. Unlike Black Cabs, which can pick up passengers on the streets, Minicabs can only transport customers who have booked online. Conversely, Black Cabs can hail passengers on the street.

Minicabs offers car pick-up services, which users can book through the official website or mobile app. They accept cash, credit cards, and PayPal, providing 24-hour customer support to answer any questions and plan each journey. The app also allows users to estimate the cost of a trip, helping them manage their budget more effectively.

FREENOW, a joint venture between BMW and Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG's subsidiary, originated as mytaxi. In 2016, it acquired Hailo, the UK's highest market share taxi platform, and renamed itself FREENOW in 2019. FREENOW's booking process is well-organized, with passengers able to cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure. Some drivers even hold PHVs issued by Black Cab. FREENOW operates not only in the UK but also in European cities like Barcelona, Berlin, and Paris.

Source: FREENOW

Addison Lee, one of the UK's largest public transport service companies, promises to pick up passengers within ten minutes, regardless of their location. They focus on punctuality and privacy for customers and offer a selection of car brands.

Gett, formerly known as GetTaxi, specializes in developing Ground Transportation Management systems in the UK. Its taxi services are also provided by Black Cab. This UK taxi-booking platform has transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Driver information is openly available, and real-time location tracking ensures passenger safety.

Source: Freepik

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