Monthly Archives: March 2015

Insight

Chicago Cabbies versus Uber Drivers: Who’s the Safer Choice?

Considering the ongoing turf wars in Chicago between the taxi drives and the Uber drivers, it is a good idea to take a look at all the aspects that make up the two. It is by looking at these factors that riders in Chicago can decide which mode of transportation offers them the very best benefits.

The Argument

It can be said that most people in the city tend to go for Uber because it is trendy and it offers them rides using apps on their phones. Indeed, Uber offers a kind if service that is hip, trendy, and convenient for people these days and this is perhaps why people love them. Of course, other people tend to state different reasons such as the fabulous kinds of cars that get to pick them up, the environmental friendliness of such a service, and some of them touch on how safe these Uber rides are as compared to Taxis.

That begs the question: Are Uber car rides really safer than taxis?

Most people tend to think that Uber car rides are safe and this isn’t to say that riding on an Uber service will get you killed. Rather, this is to say that it might be a lot less safe than most people think. In fact, according to some consumer advocates, the moment you sign the Uber agreement you are basically signing your life away.

The Case in Point

There have been several reports of Uber drivers assaulting their passengers and that is not a good thing. Again, this isn’t to say that Taxis are safe havens where no one ever gets robbed or assaulted but when you hail a cab, you do not agree to anything but to have that driver bring you from point A to B. there is no need to sign or agree to anything unlike with Uber where you basically tell the company that they have nothing to do with you in the event that your Uber ride goes bad.

There have been several interviews with the higher-ups and owners of the service where they say that safety is their number one concern and that they strive to take measures that will protect Uber riders but that contradicts what is said in their terms and conditions where it clearly states that users accept all the risks that come from using the service.

The Bottom line

This is in no way to disparage Uber because it does have its fine points. This is not to say that Taxis are the best and are 100% safe. Rather, this is just to let you know that Uber is not as safe as you may have been led to believe and that in some ways, they are riskier than riding a regular cab. Perhaps the lesson you need to take here is to be always aware and on your toes. Should you need a cab ride, without having to use Uber, then you can check out the app by Universal Taxi. This App by Universal Taxi can be found here

Press Release, Taxi App

Chicago’s Plans on Mobile App for Taxi Services Approved

Some months back, we came out with an article that mentioned how the new Uber taxi service was wreaking havoc among the taxis in Chicago. Not only did we talk about the actual service but we also delved into the how and why it was so popular, along with some information on the pros and cons of such a service. The taxi drivers in the city were predictably not happy with Uber and how it was “stealing” customers from them but now, they might actually have a fighting chance.

Universal Taxi App Etc.

In an effort to help taxi drivers in the city gain the upper hand with ridesharing services like Uber, Chicago has approved a plan to become sponsor to an app that riders can use to contact local cabs should they need a cab to ride. This measure was put in place as part of a larger package that include, among others, financial support for local taxi operators in the area. The measure also included free breaks for cab drivers and this was supported by Mayor Rahm Emmanuel.

Brains behind the plan was a union that expanded to include cab drivers and organized Chicago just this 2014 pushed really hard for the approval of the package.

According to Chicago Councilman Emma Mitts, who happens to be a co-sponsor for the ordinance, this new package which includes the app is their way of levelling the playing field between cabs and ridesharing services.

Uber Growing

Looking at how Uber is used, it comes as no surprise that the mobile app for local taxis in Chicago is what they consider the best way to level the playing field. After all, Uber does have an app that lets people with mobile phones call drivers—and it is growing in a massive scale all over the world. However, some concerns have been raised as to how fair this is to cabs and also, some buzz has been heard about how safe these Uber drivers are and how the company uses the data they gather from users. The last issue is what has gotten Uber banned from some parts of countries like the US, Thailand, and India.

When asked to comment about the proposed app by the Chicago government for the local cabs, Uber did not have a direct reply. However, they did choose to say that the efficiency of its service, along with the safety, are far superior than what the local taxi industry had to offer.

App Release

There is no word yet on how the mobile app for local taxis in Chicago will be administered and who will be paying for the app. Right now, it is in the planning and development changes. However, we are happy to note that Chicago is the first city to do this and it might just be what their local taxi drivers need in order to hold their own against ridesharing services. In fact, some taxi drivers have acknowledged this first step and have confessed that they are excited about it. However, for a fully developed app that can summon local taxis Universal Taxi already has the answer and you can check that here.

 

 

 

Uncategorized

4 Services that Universal Taxi Dispatch Provides

When looking for a taxi service to patronize, I always think that it is a good idea to look for one that provides more than just the basic services. After all, I want to be assured that the taxi service I call will be able to serve my needs and make life easier for me. One service in particular has caught my attention: Universal Taxi Dispatch, a taxi application that operates in Chicago.

Universal Taxi Dispatch

Now, the first thing I want to say about this is that I love how easy they are to call. The company came up with an app that allows people to call them and get a taxi to where they need it. I think that’s pretty nifty and this app saves me a lot of time from having to wait by the curb. In fact, it reminds me of one of those rideshare services, only I like this one better than the others since I know they’re professional cabbies regulated by the city.

Think about what you know about cabs – you hail them, let them take you from point A, and pay them after they drop you off at point B. However, this company does so much more than that and I want to share these additional features with you.

  • Airport services – The company services both Midway and O’Hare airports. It is very easy to get in touch with them. All you need to do is pick up your luggage and give them a call so they know where to pick you up. You will also get a taxi number. Now, airports are very busy places so you need to make sure that you keep an eye out for the taxi number that was given to you to make sure you get in the right cab.
  • Package delivery – I was so surprised when I found out that this taxi service actually delivered packages. They have a great team of drivers and different types of vehicles to accommodate packages of all sizes. The best part is that they deliver the packages within the day so it really cuts down on the delivery time.
  • School ride program – For those people who have kids, Universal Taxi Dispatch offers a safe and efficient way for your kids to get to school. They have a dedicated manager for this and you can rest easy knowing that your kids are in the secure hands of experienced drivers that will get them to school on time.
  • Corporate accounts – Corporate workers are busy folks and this is where the company picks up the slack. Their corporate accounts ensure that employees and clients alike are transported into meeting venues and events in a fast and safe manner.

As you can see, these services make this company so much better than the rest. They really know what their clients want and they do their very best to deliver. I must say that this has to be one of the best cab providers in Chicago.

Insight

Is Uber Violating Chicago Laws?

If there is one hot topic in the city of Chicago, it has to be the issue between the local taxi industry and the ridesharing companies like Uber and Lyft that are slowly, but surely,  taking over the streets of the city. We here think that a little competition is healthy but it seems that some ridesharing services are not just bent on competing but also have the potential to annihilate the local taxi business. This, of course, has everyone up in arms and this includes the local government in the city. This begs the question, if Uber is so good, why do officials seem to be against it?

The Uber Laws

The thing to remember here is that Uber just came to Chicago last 2011 and quickly became rising rock star of the roads. This, of course, caused some panic among cab drivers. And with the taxi industry being an important part of the Chicago economy and landscape, the government had to step in. We here at Universal taxi suppose the government could just kick out the service or ban them from the city but they cannot do that unless the ridesharing services break the law.

Well are they breaking the law?

The thing with Uber is that their business model doesn’t exactly make them illegal but it doesn’t totally make them legit either. They do have some practices that fall in the shady, gray areas between what is legal and what is not. After all, there really is nothing against the law about hitching a ride from someone and paying them money.

The gray area though is proving to be troublesome for the ridesharing service and they have had some rough times in Chicago especially with their new UberX. This service is basically for amateur drivers who can go around the city and pick up passengers for money. Just recently, they were sued by a woman passenger who claimed to have been assaulted by an UberX driver. We say that it isn’t really the fault of the ridesharing service—at least not directly—but you can see where they would be in trouble. Granted, violence has long been a part of the taxi industry but what makes this troublesome is that UberX makes it much easier for amateur drivers to perv out their passengers. Uber falls outside of the regulations that govern local registered taxis and they have taken steps to ensure that such regulations are not enforced on them.

Another thing to add to the list of troubles for Uber is that the city has put a limit of 450 drivers for their services and the thing there is that number is to be shared with Lyft and another rideshare service that operates within the city. Also, the city has banned UberX drivers from going to the airports to pick up passengers so that is another constraint they have to deal with.

The Real Deal

At the moment, Uber hasn’t really broken any laws just yet but they are still on that shady gray area. However, for those that want the convenience of a rideshare but want to ride regulated vehicles, Universal Taxi has an app here that can help.

Insight

Why Taxis are Still Safer

Transportation is something many people need. Considering that not everyone has a private vehicle, there are still a lot of times when going out requires making use of public transportation services. There are crowded trains, buses, and taxis that offer more exclusive interiors and convenience. Each day, especially in big cities, a lot of people commute and taxis can be the best form of transportation for more than just one reason.

Safety and Privacy

One of the top reasons why taxis are still safer compared to other forms of transportation is the mere fact that you don’t have to share your ride with anyone else. I have had my own experience in dealing with trains that are too crowded or buses that seemingly have more people than it should. It gets quite tiring. I also have the tendency to feel too guarded when other commuters are around. You can never be too sure when someone might be a pickpocket who’s waiting for the right chance at your valuables.

Inside a taxi, you get more safety and privacy. You can sit away from the driver and enjoy the drive to and from work or anywhere you need to go without having to deal with a chatty person next to you or the awkwardness of overhearing less pleasing conversations. These may be quite petty concerns, but let’s face it—after a day of hard work, having a bit of peace and quiet on your way home would be nice, right? You also reduce your chances of getting pickpocketed in public rides.

Convenience

Compared to public modes of transportation, you can now easily hail a taxi by using apps like the Universal Taxi Dispatch app. You will no longer need to stand at the sidewalks and wait for a taxi to come. Just use the app and you can order a taxi and find it waiting for you in front of your house. Within minutes of ordering a cab, you can be on your way to your destination with no hassle. Furthermore, convenience also means not having to share the ride with over a dozen people. No need to stop anywhere you aren’t getting off at, and you can get to the place you need to get to just like you would in your own vehicle.

Professionalism

The drivers you will employ using the Universal Taxi Dispatch app are very professional. This is one of the things that contribute to the safety of each ride. The taxi drivers have been carefully screened and you can expect nothing but professional service from them.

You need them at this exact hour? They’ll be there. Do you have to go somewhere you don’t know? They know the Chicagoland area like the back of their hand and they can get you there on time. Are you from the airport and need help with your luggage? They can also assist you with that.

The convenience, privacy, and safety you can get from the professional services of cab drivers using this mobile app is amazing. I would recommend it to anyone who has a preference for safe and convenient modes of transportation.

Insight

How to Hail a Taxi Cab in Chicago

The streets of Chicago can get pretty busy and sometimes hailing a cab sometimes turns out to be an impossible feat for some. This does not mean that you’ll be left out on the streets without a ride to get to your destination, nor does it entail having to resort to getting rideshare services which could be a lot riskier. Sometimes you just have to know a thing or two about the best ways to hail a cab around the Chicago area.

Stick out your thumb.

Some people prefer screaming “Taxi!” at the top of their lungs while some prefer whistling. Unfortunately, these would only leave you breathless and hoarse, especially if you do it continuously. Some could say that they only wait for cabs whose lights are on, but most of the time, this does not work either as some cabs still leave their lights on despite having a passenger. The best option really is for you to just stick out your thumb at every taxi that passes as a hitchhiker would do when looking for a ride on the highway. It’s less tiring, and it gets you noticed every time.

Call the cab company.

Arrange for a pickup by calling the cab company. You can always get their numbers from directory assistance or by looking it up online. You can even schedule the pickup ahead of time, leaving you with less worries when it’s time for you to leave. This is especially helpful if you want to be picked up at a place where you’d have to rely on luck before a cab passes by.

Book online through the cab company’s website.

Most Chicago cab companies have their own websites, and most of them give you the option to book a cab online. So if you’re connected all the time, this is definitely one of the best ways for you to hail a cab. You just need to let the cab company know your location and your destination. You also have the option to book a cab in advance or request for a cab at that precise moment, and you will be notified if there is a cab available in your area.

Book through a taxi app.

Yes, cab companies are keeping up with the times. A lot of cab companies now have their own app where you can request for a cab no matter where you are. Universal Taxi for example, has their very own Universal Taxi App which you can download on your iPhone or Android phone and use anytime you’re having trouble hailing a cab. It’s fast, convenient, and pushing a few buttons on your screen will not be as tiring as having to wave and scream at every cab that passes by.

Cab companies understand the plight of Chicago commuters, which is why they find ways to make it as easy as possible to hail a cab. As long as you have the know-how and the right tools, hailing a cab in the middle of Chicago will be a trick you could master in no time.