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Thinking of Buying A Taxi?

Transportation is essential—especially in big cities. From a commuter’s point of view, having taxis to take them wherever they ask within the service area is a great thing—but what about from a business point of view? Here are some of the points to consider when thinking of investing on taxis:

 

  • Location – Think of how busy your area is. Are there a lot of commuters and commercial establishments in the place? Does your locale have a buzzing nightlife? If so, investing on a taxi may be a good thing for you. If you live in a metropolitan area, you can consider it as a great opportunity to take advantage of the workers in the big city. Suburban areas may be a bit slow for taxis, but it doesn’t mean that the taxi industry in those places is dead.
  • Fuel efficiency – What does your vehicle run on? With the soaring prices of gasoline, having a fuel-efficient vehicle is important if you want ROI from your taxi. Make sure that your chosen vehicle is in great condition and that it is as fuel efficient as possible.
  • Accessibility – You can step your game up and make more from your taxi investment when you make yourself easily accessible to commuters. Today, commuters can book taxis through apps like Universal Taxi and have guaranteed on-time pick-ups. If you can find ways to be associated with such services, then you can have a better guarantee of income and ROI.

 

One of the top factors on why investing on a taxi can be a good business move is that cabbies can freely choose when to hit the streets. This is a 24/7 industry and there are currently no limits as to how long each taxi can cruise the roads and take passengers to where they need to go. There may be certain initiatives to limit the schedule of cabbies, but there are still no laws which apply to when taxi drivers choose to be on the road. Another great thing is that for each passenger, there is a set flag down rate and the prices are measured by a meter. On busy days, even just a handful of passengers may mean getting back the price you pay for a full tank of gasoline.

 

When thinking of investing on a taxi, considering the abovementioned determining factors can help you decide whether or not the investment will truly be worth it. From a general standpoint, the transportation industry is usually stable and the taxi industry in particular is a fast-paced sector as proven by Universal Taxi and similar apps which help streamline the process of hailing cabs in busy cities. For years now, taxis have been on the busiest streets of America and their services have always been required by the most populated cities. As an investor, taking advantage of this constant need for transportation can be a great source of stable income.

 

The initial cost of buying a taxi, getting the permits, and all of the licensing required could set you back a few thousand dollars, this is why Universal Taxi Dispatch offers its drivers a convenient way to earn a living without having to break the bank.

Additionally, Universal Taxi will be selling used taxi through its website, make sure to follow us our Facebook Page for updates.

 

Insight

Dealing with Rude Cabbie Drivers

Just because you’re a nice person does not mean that people will also be nice to you all the time. This is something you’ll realize as you deal with your colleagues, the waitresses at a corner restaurant, the people at the check out counter at the supermarket, or the cabbie driver who’s supposed to take you home. As far as we’re concerned, Universal Taxi does not tolerate any sort of rudeness from our drivers, which is why we need passengers to know exactly what to do to contain or correct this kind of behaviour.

Here are some tips on how you can deal with rude cabbie drivers:

  • Don’t respond with rudeness. Everybody has bad days, and the cab driver just might be having one. If you respond with rudeness, you will only fuel that anger and make matters even worse. Don’t mind their rudeness; you can choose to stay quiet, or respond with kindness. The driver will realize later on that his attitude was completely uncalled for.
  • Know your rights. Even before you hail a cab, make sure that you know your rights as a passenger pretty well. Sometimes, cab drivers act rude when they refuse to do their job well, and uses the rudeness to make you back off. If your destination qualifies for a meter rate and not a flat rate for example, make sure you know this. This will allow you to respond accordingly when the driver starts to become demanding about something that you’re not supposed to give in the first place.
  • Check your attitude. Sadly, there are rude passengers as well. Don’t worry, we understand this quite well. As we said, everybody has bad days. When the cabbie driver starts to become rude, check yourself and see if your tone is still reasonable. Of course, the driver should not fight rudeness with rudeness, but it happens. It’s human nature. But at least you know where the hostility is coming from.
  • Report the incident. Even if it’s been a bad day for the cabbie driver, or he was just reacting to circumstances, rudeness should never be tolerated (credit miller). Contact the cab company right away and let them know what happened. This will ensure that the cab company gives the cabbie driver the necessary disciplinary action for his behaviour.

We at Universal Taxi know how important it is to keep all our passengers happy, and knowing how to deal with cabbie drivers properly will allow you to help us keep all our drivers in line.

Insight

Why Choose Universal Taxi Cabbies

To get around Chicago, getting a cab is one of the most popular options. With the rise of competing services like ridesharing services, it has become harder to choose what the best option truly is not just in terms of popularity, but in terms of safety and convenience as well.

What gives cab companies the edge? Here are a few reasons why Chicago cabbies are still the better option:

  • Stamp of Approval. Before being given the chance to drive a cab around the city, a cabbie driver would have to go through so much just to make sure that they are truly qualified to take passengers from point A to point B. The city grants a medallion to allow a cab to be operated, and the driver should pass a series of tests to qualify. Aside from a strict physical exam, cab drivers would also have to ace an English exam. They also have to pass background checks, and they would need a clean driving record to qualify. This ensures that your cab driver knows what they are doing, and understands their roles and responsibilities well.
  • Safety and Security. Aside from the strict requirements to be allowed to drive a cab, cab companies are also required to pay insurance enough to cover any costs in case you meet any untoward accidents. Cabs are also supposed to be in top shape all the time to avoid accidents caused by any form of malfunction. Cabs are replaced every four years to ensure that this is enforced, something that other services such as rideshare companies do not require.
  • Cabs give passengers the convenience of being able to book a taxi without having to go out into the streets to hail one. You can call a taxi hotline, or you can book a taxi online. Companies like Universal Taxi also have an app that you can install on your smartphone, allowing you to go online and request for a cab wherever you are. The app notifies drivers of your location, making it quicker to get in touch with them with just a few taps on your mobile gadget.
  • Customer Service. Universal Taxi takes good care of their drivers, making sure that they are more than happy to give passengers the kind of service they deserve (credit miller). Cab companies also ensure that passengers are given the right to give feedback in case they do not like the service they received, giving room for improvement so that their next experience would be far better than the last.

With these benefits, Chicago cabbies are still your best bet in getting around the city.

Insight

What Are the Safety Features of the New Universal Taxi App?

The Chicago taxi system is rebounding from the losses brought about by ride sharing apps. It is no secret that these apps almost obliterated the taxi industry. Even if these ride sharing apps still hold an unfair advantage over taxis, new innovations are now in service to commuters in the city. The Universal Taxi Dispatch App promises all the conveniences of the taxi and many other safety features.

Regulated Service

The taxi service is bound by the full extent of government laws in commuter safety and service. Taxi drivers must be properly licensed. Service vehicles must conform to minimum safety requirements as well. Non-compliance with these regulations results in stiff penalties such as license suspensions and fines to the taxi company. Since neither of these situations is ideal, taxi companies make sure that every ride taken is secure and offer maximum convenience.

This is in sharp contrast with the lack of driver regulations of ride sharing apps. Much profit is made from the distinction between the drivers of apps like Uber and Lyft and taxi companies. Since it is technically not a business, these ride sharing apps can get away with delivering a full service with pay without any interference from the law. This is dangerous because your safety is at risk when unqualified drivers decide to join these apps.

New Universal Taxi App

When you book a taxi, its license plate and other relevant details will be displayed on your screen. You receive an estimated total fare based on distance. You can also see your taxi service on a map in real time for accurate time estimation. If you want to contact your taxi driver directly for directions or instructions, you can also do that with a touch of a button.

The new Universal Taxi Dispatch App also features a direct line for any customer suggestions and complaints. You can rate your taxi experience this way and give feedback on driver rudeness, reckless driving, and bias over payment methods. Taxi companies are legally bound to respect any customer feedback. Any case made against taxi companies can result in license suspension and stiff fines.

The Universal Taxi Dispatch App lives up to current commuter standards. Its simple and friendly user interface is compatible with most Android versions and iPhones. It is, however, suggested that iOS be used for iPhones. The app can also be used by most iPads and iPod Touch versions.

Sources:

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141106/river-north/cab-drivers-friendlier-than-usual-uber-lyft-competition-could-be-why

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/universal-taxi/id941145239?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apcurium.MK.UniversalTaxi&hl=en

http://alternativeto.net/software/u-taxi-dispatch/

Insight

Chicago Cabs vs Uber and Lyft

These days modes of transportation are quite vast. When talking about going places within a city or state, there is the economic-friendly bicycle, the motorcycle, the private cars, some buses, the traditional cabs, and now, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft, to name a few. Once upon a time, you had to hail a cab from the curb, or call for a cab or town car if you want to get spared from the hassle. Now, hailing a cab is easier done through a mobile app, although the first two options are still always readily available. Oh, how lifestyle evolves to adapt to the latest technological innovations.

There have been a lot of hoo-has in the universal taxi industry where traditional cab drivers complain about the unfair treatment the Chicago taxi companies get as compared to the privileges ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft receive. There has been a legislative discussion on the so-called war between universal taxi establishments and the emerging rideshare insurgencies where it seems that the former may be fighting a battle they are bound to lose.

Most Chicago citizens have become ‘traffic cops’ wherein they can easily jot down on a piece of paper some information of a cab they did not like and phone 311 to report it. This could lead to the cab company or driver paying fines and court costs. Rideshare cars usually do not have any markings, stickers or whatnot that could differentiate them from private cars, so ‘traffic cops’ wouldn’t easily get to them and take advantage of them.

Traditionally, taxicabs have become an institution that deemed to be permanently part of the urban life, until rideshare services and innovations entered the picture. It is true that rideshares can offer utmost convenience to its customers, with all the information (driver’s information, vehicle type, estimated time of travel, etc.) readily available with just a swipe of your finger. Paying wouldn’t even be a hassle since you will be charged via your credit card (details of which will be asked from you before booking a ride) and a receipt would be sent via email (credit brittany). Probably the only problem with this would be that fares would be subject to surge pricing, which usually happens during peak season or in the case of bad weather.

With this kind of technological innovation available to consumers nowadays, there is no doubt that the traditional taxi industry is in shambles. More than that, most cab drivers feel that they will eventually lose their jobs as their profession is slowly becoming extinct.

Taxi App

The Benefits of the Universal Taxi Dispatch App

Here in Chicago, the taxi has been a part of everyday life. To keep itself abreast with all the technological changes happening recently, cab service apps are now available showcasing the latest features. In particular, Universal Taxi Dispatch has come out with a fresh new app to accommodate every customer transportation need.

App Advantages

There are many advantages to the Universal Taxi Dispatch app. Using it, you get to book a ride with just a few clicks. You can get fare estimates based from your pickup and destination points. You can communicate with the taxi driver and get all relevant car information for identification. You can monitor the taxi location remotely and in real-time. Some more features are the ability to choose vehicle type and specify number of passengers to ensure the best ride. The app can also store your activity for the past 30 days and keep an address book of your favorite addresses.

How to Begin

So how does it work? To start using this app, first download it from your operating system’s app store. The Universal Taxi Dispatch app is compatible with both Android and most Apple mobile devices, so you can find the app in Google Store and iTunes App Store, respectively. It is important to note that this app requires iOS 6 or higher to run. It is compatible to use with iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. Follow the step by step process after that which involves signing in, booking a taxi, and smoothly getting from your pick-up point to your destination.

Passenger Safety

Passenger safety is one our top considerations. To ensure this, only licensed and qualified drivers are allowed to operate on the road. We are sure to deliver nothing but top rated service with every ride because your safety is our business, every single time. You can also use the app to give customer suggestions and comments to improve the quality of service.

App Safety

Like with all apps, the Universal Taxi Dispatch app needs a few permissions from you in order to work. These are the app permissions you need to be aware of:

finding your identity using accounts on the device

  • accessing your contacts and calendar
  • locating you via GPS and phone network

Sources:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/universal-taxi/id941145239?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apcurium.MK.UniversalTaxi&hl=en

http://alternativeto.net/software/u-taxi-dispatch/

 

 

 

Taxi App

Universal Taxi Dispatch App for Newbies

Universal Taxi Dispatch App for Newbies

When getting from your location to a different destination around Chicago, a cab is still the best option to consider. This ensures that you have a driver licensed by the government to chauffeur people around the safest and fastest way possible with minimal or no problems along the way. And to make it even more convenient for those travelling around the Cook, Kane and DuPage counties, Universal Taxi has introduced an app that you can download and use to request for a cab the fastest way possible.

Here are a few perks that come with the app:

  • 3 Clicks to Book. In as fast as three clicks, you can let your driver know where to pick you up and where to drop you off. This is perfect for those whose smartphones are always within reach (which includes almost everybody around Chicago).
  • Fair Fare Estimate. The app comes with a fare estimation service, allowing you to input your location and your destination to get a close estimate of how much you’re going to pay. There are also areas that have flat rates, making it easier for you to find out if you’re staying within budget.
  • Track Your Booking. Once you have booked a taxi using the app, you will immediately use a confirmation number and the vehicle number for the cab dispatched. You can also check the map and see where the vehicle is, allowing you to estimate how much time you have left to get ready.
  • Customize Your Booking. Each booking allows you to state how many passengers there are and what type of vehicle you prefer. You can also choose your preferred method of payment beforehand to make it easier to pay later on.
  • Customize the App. The app allows you to mark the places you frequently go to and come from, and even lets you tag a custom name for each of them to make it easier to use as reference for future use. You can also review all the reservations that you have made the past 30 days in case you need the information for tracking purposes.
  • Provide Feedback. The app allows you to provide feedback each time you use the service, whether it be app-related, driver-related, or vehicle-related.
  • Easy Contact. This app also allows you to contact Universal Taxi at the touch of a button, eliminating the need to find it on your phonebook in case you need to speak with them directly.

Sounds interesting so far? Download the app now through the App Store or through Google Play.

Insight, Taxi App

Sizing Up the Competition: Rideshare vs Taxi Services

Taxi services have taken people around for as long as I can imagine, but recent enhancements to technology have given people other options, such as ridesharing services. This has, of course, given cabbies quite a headache given how stiffer the competition has become. Let’s see how traditional taxi services compare to the new ridesharing services, and decide where passengers are getting better value for their money.

Ridesharing Services

Rideshare gives both drivers and passengers the convenience of linking one to the other through just a few taps on their smartphones. Passengers do not even need to shell out any cash or take out their credit cards; the app itself takes care of the payment. Cab sharing services like Lyft and Uber also offer promos every so often, sometimes allowing drivers to have a higher percentage of the earnings at specific hours. For drivers, this is very, very good news considering how little investment they shell out (as they use their own car), how flexible their hours are, and how bigger they take home in earnings after expenses. For passengers however, there could also be problems outside of the convenience. Rideshare drivers do not have to get a special license to qualify as one, nor are they required to pay for insurance. Rideshare companies also claim to conduct background investigation on each of the drivers before accepting them, but there have been numerous reports of rideshare drivers having criminal records or displaying bad or offensive attitude. Yes, the app allows you to rate the driver so that they can block the driver’s account if anyone reports anything bad. But what good is a bad rating if something bad has already happened?

taxi cab

Taxi Services

Taxi drivers and companies in Chicago seem to have the worse part of the bargain here especially in terms of investment. To be able to operate a cab in the city, you would need to have a medallion, which could cost roughly around $300,000. Taxis also have to be replaced every four years, which means that you would have to use those years to save up for a new car after that period. You also pay roughly $600 a month for insurance, taxes, gas, and other expenses. As far as the quality of services is concerned, taxi drivers go through so much just to be given a license to become a taxi driver. You need a clean driving record, pay for insurance, and pass an exam, a physical, and a number of other qualifiers. Taxi services have also been upgrading their services to make it more convenient for passengers to book them. Aside from allowing you to call them or book online, Universal Taxi now offers a downloadable app that allows you to call for a taxi wherever you are.

So now, you decide. Should you leave your safety to a common person with a driving license and an old car, or to a cabbie driver licensed to chauffeur passengers?

Insight

Saving the Chicago Cab

Chicago’s cab companies are in uproar because of the market cornering of “ride sharing” apps such as Uber and Lyft. In recent times, the taxi service was being pushed to the brink of obsolescence because of the unregulated and potentially unsafe operation of said apps. In fact, if you have not yet heard, the novel lawsuit of taxi operators versus the city has already been filed. This already shows how big an impact unregulated businesses affect firmly-rooted taxi industries in Chicago. Cab companies are eager to fight back, though. To keep up with Uber and Lyft, cab companies, like your very own Universal Taxi, now turn to harnessing the power of the app to restore the balance.

The Better Alternative

A brand new Universal Taxi Dispatch app has been released. This fresh new offering promises top notch service, easy user interface, and premium safety features to all its users. There are many advantages to using this app. The app is compatible with most Android and iPhone versions, guaranteeing a large number of people will be able to use the app. A simple free download from the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store gives you access to all the features.

The app is very simple to use. Simply log in, book the best available taxi, and wait for your service to arrive. You get everything done with just a few clicks. There are plenty of in-app features that you can use for your convenience and peace of mind. You will get all relevant identification and information of the taxi while it is on its way to you. The app can use either your GPS location or a provided address for precise pick up. You can also monitor where your booked taxi currently is, all in real time and on a map. You can also make a call to your driver with a single click to ask for updates on traffic, for example.

More Functions

Additional features of the Universal Taxi Dispatch app include the option to choose the vehicle type of your preference. This is to maximize another feature which allows you to specify the number of passengers for this ride. The app can also remember your favorite addresses (credit brittany). You can review all reservations made in the last 30 days. For customer support, the app also supports a feedback option. Any comments and suggestions you may have for Universal Taxi Dispatch can be coursed through this feature.

Sources:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/universal-taxi/id941145239?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apcurium.MK.UniversalTaxi&hl=en

http://alternativeto.net/software/u-taxi-dispatch/

http://www.citylab.com/commute/2014/02/taxi-drivers-miffed-over-uber-and-lyft-just-sued-city-chicago/8328/

 

Press Release, Taxi App

Filing a Complaint Using The Universal Taxi App

 The technology of smartphones has certainly advanced far quicker than many other things in Chicago. One of the things that almost did it for the taxi industry was the emergence of so-called “ride sharing” apps. For a while it looked bleak for traditional cab companies because of the unregulated nature of these ride-sharing apps. Nowadays, cab companies are restoring the balance with full-featured apps which bring back the balance and competitiveness of the good old taxi. As a perfect example, the new Universal Taxi Dispatch Service app is now available for download.

The Differences between the Apps

One of the many complaints against ride sharing apps is the lack of control over customer service. Services suck as Uber or Lyft do not offer phone customer service at all. Taxi drivers and companies are subject to government-enforced penalties such as fines and suspension of licenses because of poor service. In fact, complaints made over the local hotline are the only things needed to make a case against taxis. This check keeps taxi drivers and operators on their best behavior every time. On the other hand, the lack of jurisdiction over ride sharing drivers means an almost free-for-all in terms of passenger safety and insurance. The refusal of ride sharing apps to disclose the number of complaints against their ride quality is also a red flag that sends a clear signal against their business ethics.

Using the App

The Universal Taxi Dispatch app requires a download before it can be used. This can be done with the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store because both Android and iOS are fully supported by the app. All you need to do is sign in, locate a taxi nearby, and book it using your mobile device.

Of course, there are unique functions and perks to using this app. The first consideration is the availability of information on your taxi service vehicle and driver which you can request anytime. You can monitor the location of your taxi on a map at the touch of your screen. You can also make a call to your taxi driver via the app.

Another important feature of this app is the ability to file a complaint. It is simple because it comes as a regular feature in the app. Go to the customer support section and input any comments and suggestions you have for Universal Taxi. Rest assured, these are taken seriously and will reflect on the continued improvement of the taxi service.

report a problem

Sources:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/universal-taxi/id941145239?mt=8

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apcurium.MK.UniversalTaxi&hl=en

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141106/river-north/cabdrivers-friendlier-than-usual-uber-lyft-competition-could-be-why