The number of individuals who depend on traditional taxi services is diminishing by the minute. Taxi-booking applications like Uber, Lyft, and Grab are solid competition for these traditional businesses. By providing services at cost-effective rates and high convenience, taxi apps are the go-to platform for all travel needs.
Entrepreneurs are venturing into this industry to implement their innovative ideas and make good profits. The first hunt for a good taxi app development company that will fulfill their requirements and create the perfect app to run the business. Now, there are two types of taxi businesses that can be digitized with a mobile application.
Types of Taxi Businesses
Established Taxi Business
A taxi business that has its own drivers and vehicles can run smoothly with the help of a user-friendly application. These businesses initially functioned through phone call bookings or maybe even through websites. But the current generation is all about applications. So, in order to stay relevant and enhance your business, it is a necessity to provide services with an app. It will help cater to the online audience and therefore bring in more revenue for your business. Look out for professional on-demand taxi app development services and you’re all set!
Aggregator Model
The Aggregator model is one that we’re all familiar with because of apps like Uber. Basically, it is a platform that links independent drivers and app users. This is a more suitable model for budding entrepreneurs who have limited capital in the initial stages of business. All an entrepreneur needs to do is approach expert taxi app developers, build an app, get drivers on board and promote their services to the target audience. They don’t need to have a fleet of cars sitting in their garage. They just need to invite the right drivers to their platform and the business is ready.
Challenges Faced by Taxi Businesses
Market Competition
Many entrepreneurs have recognized the potential of the taxi-booking industry. That is why it is a common sight that new taxi apps are emerging continuously. The high competition is enough to scare new entrepreneurs away or even discourage them from starting out on their business. But, you should remember that it is not impossible to succeed in the current market. A good amount of market research and understanding the target audience, and availing the best taxi app development services can definitely go a long way. Make sure to offer services that are unique and will get users talking.
Security
Users are basically accepting rides from strangers. How do you ensure that the driver is not someone who will cause any harm? This is an extremely important and unavoidable step that the business owner has to take. All drivers should have their records checked and license verified. The vehicles should also be given the “go ahead” from reliable agencies based on vehicle age, condition, and comfort. Additionally, most taxi app development solutions include an emergency or SOS button in the app that can be used in the case of any safety issue.
Starting Off
When you’re building an aggregator model business, the initial problem of who to approach first – drivers or users, can be a challenging one. There are ways you can attract both to your business. Drivers can be guaranteed revenue in the beginning despite the lack of rides and users can be provided with attractive discounts and free rides if they invite friends. This way, the number of ride requests will increase and the drivers will have a steady income.
The Taxi App – Basic Features
Navigation System
When the user is booking a cab, the first step is to enter the current location and the drop location. Typically, the address is shared with the driver through word of mouth. This can be hard especially when the driver is not sure of the locality. Therefore, an in-built map can make their lives much easier. The driver will be provided with the best route to take based on distance and traffic conditions. So when you’re handling taxi app development, insist on integrating a powerful navigation system.
In-built tracker
For the app to provide users with services, it needs to first find drivers in the locality. For this purpose, the users’ location is tracked and the nearest drivers are alerted of the request. The drivers can then accept or cancel the ride based on their availability. Unlike in traditional cab-booking services, the users are aware of the driver’s status and whether they are on the way or not.
Rate Estimation
The users should never be surprised when they’re paying the taxi bill. A transparent system of payment will help build the trust of users. When the fare is displayed in advance, it is in the user’s hands to decide whether to book a ride or not. If the costs do not please the user, they can easily choose not to opt for the service.
Multiple Payment Modes
A comfortable experience is more than just providing a spacious car. When you provide your users with more options, they can choose based on their preferences or situation. For example, if a user wants to make an emergency booking but does have cash on hand, they can always use their card to pay the fare.
Feedback
When a taxi business receives constant reviews from their drivers and users, they can make changes and update according to the needs. In case a user is not satisfied with their ride due to the driver’s unpleasant behavior, he/she can share their experience. Necessary action will be taken to make sure that the services are of high quality.
As we’ve understood the challenges faced during taxi app development and the features that make up an app, building your own business will not be as complicated as you initially thought. Remember to market your app well so that your efforts are not in vain. Do your research, find the best taxi app development company and be on your way to creating a powerful taxi business that is unique and profitable.