Taxi Driver Online

Obviously trying to compete with Uber, but for obvious reasons impossible to compare prices from here

And if there's a waiting charge for traffic etc, then it's not really a fixed fare...

Couldn't see the offices in the likes of Aberdeen or Brighton doing this, but presumably more of a binary trade down in Plymouth - HC v PH, and not much of an overlap


Plymouth taxi firm announces huge change as Uber arrives

https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/p ... ge-9811030

Fixed fares for journeys are being introduced with the launch of Take Me Plymouth

A long-established Plymouth taxi company is rebranding and launching a new booking app as two new app-based taxi firms get the green light to operate in the city.

Last month, Plymouth City Council's licensing committee unanimously approved applications from Uber and Smartzi to operate in the city. It's the first place in Devon Uber has expanded into.

Taxifirst has now confirmed its name is changing to Take Me Plymouth and will be offering a new modernised service which will include a new, user-friendly app, while still having the option to call the original Taxifirst numbers. The rebrand also introduces fixed fares for journeys, giving customers clarity on costs before their ride begins, with only minor adjustments for unexpected traffic delays.

Taxifirst was acquired by The Take Me group, a spin-off from the Leicestershire-based ADT TAXIS, in 2021, just months after the group paid £1.8m for its city rival Tower Cabs. Both Plymouth companies have continued operating under their separate branding but are now embarking on a new chapter.

A Take Me Plymouth spokesperson said: "This exciting change brings a modernised service while maintaining the reliable transportation Plymouth residents know and trust. Customers can now enjoy the convenience of booking rides through Take Me Plymouth will continue its partnership with Tower Cabs, ensuring seamless coverage across the city."

Explaining how customers will benefit from the new app, the spokesperson said: "If you prefer to know the exact cost of your journey upfront and avoid the hassle of drivers taking alternate routes, the Take Me app is perfect for you. With the app, you can compare prices for your trip before even booking, giving you control and peace of mind.

"Using the Take Me app is easy. Simply open the app, select your pickup and destination points, and your fixed mileage fare will be displayed instantly. The price is calculated based on the distance between the two points, with minimal adjustments for waiting time due to traffic or stops; this is our new fixed fares solution for customers.

"Waiting time is charged at just 30p per minute when the vehicle is stationary. For example, if your estimated fare is £10 and there’s an additional five minute delay in traffic, the final cost will be £11.50."

Take Me is a known leader in the UK taxi industry and is launching the new app nationally.

Uber and Smartzi have both been given a private hire vehicle operator licence for five years in Plymouth. Any driver or vehicle used by Uber or Smartzi will still require a private hire driver’s licence and a vehicle licence issued by Plymouth City Council to work through the operators.

Unless the work is sub-contracted via a Wolverhampton-plated and -badged car and driver, of course.

Let's hope the firm reduces the fees it charges drivers if they are lowering customers' fares.

What attracts drivers to Uber is that they only pay for the work they do on that app. No work, no fees paid to the operator.

No driver joins Uber because of the fixed rates they offer.

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IDFIMH