Category Archives: Insight

Insight

Why Taxis Still Have the Edge Over Ridesharing Services

We here at Universal Taxi admit that there has been a whole lot of talk over the whole Uber, Lyft, and other ridesharing services thing and how they are taking away business from local cab drivers. However, we are fair and we have done our fair share of work into finding out just why people are going crazy over these services and why local taxi drivers are getting nervous. We admit that the idea of being able to summon a nice –looking car via a mobile phone has its appeal; we understand why people prefer ridesharing services to local taxis but people should also know that despite the growing number of ridesharing enthusiasts, taxis still have an edge.

What is the Edge?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the matter, it is first a good idea to have a look at exactly what ridesharing services have to offer. For one, they tend to be cheaper than local taxis and another is that they can be summoned with the use of a mobile phone- this is why it has been hailed so many times as godsend to travelers and drunken revelers alike. No more waiting at the curb and waiting for an empty passing cab because when you ping an Uber diver, that car is yours for the duration of the trip. Looking at it that way, you can say that these ridesharing services do spell the doom of local taxis but that isn’t necessarily the case.

These ridesharing services have a darker side to them and they are what ultimately gives the taxis an edge. You see, for taxi drivers to become legit taxi drivers, they have to make sure that they register their rides and get the proper licenses; these drivers are professionals which means they are, or most of them, are pros at driving. On the other hand, you have a ride sharing industry that is basically made up of anyone that has a car and wants to make pennies.

Uber, along with other ridesharing services claim that they are totally safe but face it, they do not give complete control over the people that drive Uber service cars and they have no real responsibility over what happens. This isn’t to say that Uber services and other ridesharing companies are not safe, rather it is a way of saying that there are no guarantees that they will take responsibility for any untoward incidents.

Another plus that gives local taxis an edge is that they have to go to emission testing centers and once they pass a certain limit, they are no longer allowed on the road unless they do something about their emission problem. Ridesharing services on the other hand are not required to undergo any such test and they can pretty much have a whole fleet of idling hummers on the roads just waiting for passengers.

That said, these things still give local taxi drivers an edge over ridesharing services and these should be carefully considered by those that are debating on the benefit of using local taxis vs. ridesharing services. For those that want the convenience of a rideshare service with the benefits of a taxi, you can check out the Universal Taxi app here.

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.

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/

 

Insight

Why Chicago’s Taxi System is Being Overhauled

For the longest time, taxis have been the backbone of the urban commuting industry. It came with its own share of advantages and disadvantages though. Before, complaints about reckless driving and rude drivers gave the taxi a notorious name. So notorious, in fact, that when ride sharing apps came into the picture, the preference of commuters quickly went to the newcomers. It was a mess after that, with taxi companies suing the city and ride sharing apps standing firm on their new-found market.

Taxi Overhaul
Even without the bickering, though, ride sharing apps sent a clear signal of dominance to taxi companies across Chicago. If traditional taxis wanted to compete on the same level, then it had to play the ride sharing app’s game. With this, Universal Taxi Dispatch has released its new app. This app is meant to make the advantages of using a taxi more felt by its users. It promises total convenience and all the safety regulations, from qualified drivers to safe cars, that government laws mandate.

App Features
The updated taxi system that now makes use of apps has plenty of neat features for you. You simply have to go to the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store to download the Universal Taxi Dispatch App. Almost all of the Android devices can handle this app. For iPhone users, the app is optimized for iPhone 5 use. IOS 6 or higher is needed to run this app. After logging in, you book a taxi that is in your area, and wait for your service to arrive. You can monitor where your ride is on the real-time map provided. In here, you can also get an estimate for your total fare based on your pickup point and destination. Safety is also ensured because all driver and car details will be displayed on your screen. You can also call the taxi driver directly for good measure. There are also a couple of novel app features available. One of them is that you can now specify the kind of vehicle you prefer. This comes in extra handy when you also want to use another feature which is specifying the number of passengers in the ride. Lastly, feedback options are available for your use. Taxis are bound by government rules with regard to safety. Any misconduct can result in penalties and fines (credit brittany). These kinds of restrictions, of course, help guarantee a safe and hassle-free ride with every use of the app.

Sources:
http://alternativeto.net/software/u-taxi-dispatch/ https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/universal-taxi/id941145239?mt=8 http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20141106/river-north/cab-drivers-friendlier-than-usual-uber-lyft-competition-could-be-why

Insight

Uber’s Destructive Tactics and Bullying

The Uber experience has changed our opinions on ride-sharing apps. Uber may have its own advantages but the rules governing the use and existence of these ride-sharing apps is now being seriously reviewed on the state level. For some, this means lessening the advantage of these apps over our local cab, limousine, and Universal Taxi service companies.

No Fines for Uber

We have been saying for a long time now that Uber should be subjected to stricter rules. It should be a basic requirement that companies like this provide insurance that passengers are traveling in safe vehicles, driven by qualified drivers, and covered by accident insurance. This bullying from ride-sharing apps is manifesting in a rather different way: much nicer cab drivers. Fines and suspension of licenses are the biggest reasons for the sudden changes in cab driver attitudes. By nature, Uber and similar apps are not required to be transparent in customer complaints against them. This means that they are not getting fined the same way we are.

Nicer Cab Drivers

Our non-emergency hotline 311 tracks and releases information on the number of complaints against cab companies and drivers. This is a check that ride-sharing apps do not need to be subjected to at the moment. And since jobs are much harder to come by nowadays, our universal taxi drivers here in Chicago are nicer than usual. According to data, there has been an 18% decrease in total complaints against cab drivers. The breakdown is as follows:

Year Number of complaints on reckless driving Credit card payment Rudeness
2014 4,244 448 647
2013 5,288 715 858
2014 4,491 682 891

 

Dangerous Tactics by Uber

 There have been many instances when Uber exposed itself to be the unethical company that it is. Sexism has been reported in the highly documented case of Lucy. The way Uber even threatens to expose the personal lives of its detractors is by no means inspiring. Digging up dirt to throw at opponents should have been enough to question the entire practice of Uber.

Another case involving an entrepreneur and his Uber SUV showed the unflinching disregard Uber has for its users. In front of journalists, Peter Sims’ exact location was shown in real time. Even though it was made to look like an innocent showcase of new technology, the mere fact that Peter’s activities were made public is enough to send shivers down my spine.

The so-called “surge pricing” of Uber is also under attack, as evidenced by the unanswered complaints on its website. This spike in fees is felt when there is a high volume of Uber cars requested, bad weather, and heavy weekend nights. Though Uber warns of the possibility in changing fees, the shock felt by its users can no longer be ignored.

Sweet talking can only get Uber so far. Our dissatisfaction with their unfair practices, both to competitors and users alike, has already gotten state-wide attention for regulation. We are all attentively waiting for the results of these investigations to see just how much more Uber can get away with.