Tag Archives: Taxi

News

Should Red Light Cameras At Irving Park & Kedzie Stay Or Go? Weigh In

Should Red Light Cameras At Irving Park & Kedzie Stay Or Go? Weigh In – Irving Park .

The city is asking for feedback on whether it should move forward with or put the brakes on plans to remove red light cameras at the intersection of Irving Park Road and Kedzie Avenue.
The Chicago Department of Transportation is hosting a community forum to discuss the issue from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave.
The meeting will be conducted open house-style, as opposed to a formal presentation. Neighbors can stop by at any time during the appointed hour to speak with city representatives.
As of March, there were 306 red-light cameras at 151 intersections across Chicago. Red light tickets cost drivers $100.

Earlier in 2017, the city relaxed ticketing standards, giving motorists three-tenths of a second, instead of one-tenth, to enter an intersection’s enforcement area after the light turns red.

By DNA info

Insight

Three Stress-Free Ways to Commute in Style

Commuting is and will always be part of big-city life, and Chicago is no different. You’ll need to ride trains, buses, and cabs to get to where you need to be. And like in any other city, this can be a taxing and stressful activity.

For some people, they even find this as a huge waste of time because all you do is wait until you get to your destination. But this doesn’t always have to be the case. Technology has brought about a means to make commuter life easier such as MP3 players, smartphones, and the Universal Taxi app.

  • Pamper yourself during the commute.

Yes, you read that right, you can pamper yourself while riding the train or bus. Of course, this doesn’t mean getting a massage or a sponge bath during the ride. What you can do is to enhance the way your body feels.

You can increase the endorphins (a brain chemical that is responsible for making you feel positive) by listening to your favorite tunes. Better yet, why not sing along? You don’t have to belt out loudly while in the bus, you can just whisper or sing mildly. Humming or singing in your head is also good since you don’t want to bother other people.

Another way to pamper yourself is to relax your eyes. This is particularly important for those with office jobs that require them to stare at computer screens all day. This can be extra stressful to your entire body. So why not try to relax your eyes by simply following the 20/20/20 rule. Focus  and look at an object about 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Another great exercise is to roll your eyes clockwise, then counter-clockwise, and then up and down.

  • Make it productive.

Take this extra time to do something productive. Take a book with you and read. Better yet, learn something new by bringing a textbook or a how-to book. You can even try to learn a new language! And with the advent of modern technology, you don’t even have to bring an entire book with you, you can opt for e-books and read on your smartphone.

If you have an upcoming sales pitch or presentation, take this time to practice it! Go over your body language and memorize your lines. Go over the entire thing over and over in your head so that when the time comes, you won’t seem nervous or forget anything.

You can also try to save money while using the public transport system. Take out a pen and paper to track your spending for the past few days and try to budget your money to make sure you are maximizing your funds.

  • Make it easier.

Of course, with new technology comes even better ways to avoid a stressful commute brought to you by Universal Taxi. Just download the app onto your phone and login your location and destination. A taxi cab will soon be there for you. Safe, reliable, simple, and easy, this is the best way you can avoid all the hassle and stress of your daily commute.

With the help of these hassle-free tips, you can arrive at work as fresh as you were when you left the house.

Insight

Riding a Cab around Chicago versus Taking the L

In any huge city like Chicago, there are always a number of options to get around. This can actually make commuting around the city quite confusing, but there are always pros and cons that you can consider beforehand so that you can make the most out of the time you have.

Among all the different transport choices in Chicago, it often boils down to two final options – taking the elevated train, more fondly known as the L, or taking a cab through any reputable company like Universal Taxi.

What are the risks? What are the advantages? Let’s take a look at each choice.

The Elevated Train

The El or the L takes you to different places in and around the city rather quickly. Remember that because this is a train, you do not have to worry about traffic jams or road accidents that could delay you from getting to your destination. Commuter trains are also different in every city, so getting on the L is definitely advisable if it’s your first time in Chicago.

You would have to think about what time you’ll be taking the train though, as it can get really crowded during rush hour. This is one thing that you have to consider, especially if you have no plans of getting to your destination all wrinkled up. Always check which train you are boarding as well, as different lines take you to different parts of the city as well, and you wouldn’t want to get lost and waste even more time.

Taking a Cab

The greatest thing about taking a cab around Chicago is that it picks you up right where you are, and drops you off right where you need to be. If you’re lucky enough to get an awesome cabbie, you can even find out more about the sights that you should be seeing. You would also be a lot more comfortable as compared to taking the L.

Of course, taking a cab would also mean that you would have to deal with traffic. Because of this, it is advisable to book a cab early and leave enough travel allowance for you to ensure that you get to your destination on time. Universal Taxi has a mobile app that allows you to book a cab anywhere, anytime, so it’s best that you take advantage of features like these to make the commute easier.

At the end of the day, it would all depend on what you are looking for and what you want to experience as you visit Chicago. For first-timers, it is probably best to take the L and experience how it feels like to be a regular Chicago commuter. Once that experience has been crossed off the list, you can enjoy the rest of the sights by getting a cabbie to take you around. Cabbies are always the best people to ask for recommendations on places to see, and you may even find a few surprises around every corner with their expert help.

Insight

Top 5 Tools for Taxi Commuters

American commuters spend an average of 50 minutes in a vehicle each day. That’s almost equivalent to an hour-long lunch break or an entire episode of Chicago P.D. These precious minutes shouldn’t be wasted staring at the same diet pill ad or an acne prevention billboard every day. Taxi commuters can make the most out of this travel time with the right commuter tools. Here are five I highly recommend.

  • Traffic Navigation App

At Universal Taxi, we make sure that our cab drivers are updated with the ins and outs of the city, particularly about news relating to transportation. As a commuter, it’s important that you have your own traffic navigation app to check the traffic situation before you hit the road. This way, you’ll be able to calculate if you need to adjust your time to avoid being late for your appointment. A traffic navigation app also helps in determining if your usual route is suddenly ridden with road hazards due to a vehicular accident.

Waze is a great navigation app.

  • Audio Books

If your commute takes over 15 minutes, an audio book can help you easily pass the time. Reading in a moving vehicle is bad for the eyes. Listening to a book is the next best thing. If you’d rather read than listen to a new story, you can always find an audio version of your favorite book and listen to it. It would be like hearing the story from a new perspective while making the most out of your commute time.

Try Audible.com for

  • Safety Kit

Each time you commute, you expose yourself to possible road accidents and disasters. That is a reality experienced by both public and private commuters. And while that fact can’t be denied, being proactive can be a big help in the event of a vehicle hijack, mugging, or accident. Pharmacies and drug stores sell ready-made safety kits. You can also build your own emergency kit. The basics include a couple of medical paraphernalia (antiseptic solution, tape and gauze, medicine), a whistle, an ID with your medical information, and an extra phone battery.

  • Music Player

For many commuters, an MP3 player is a must. Music is an influencer. A good one can easily boost your mood. A music player helps in setting your frame of mind for the day ahead or soothing your nerves after a long day at work. Or to share your love of music, you can just ask your Universal Taxi driver to turn on the cab radio and tune into your favorite radio station.

  • Travel Mug

Whether you’re running late or you just need another cup of coffee in your system, a travel mug lets you have your dose of caffeine without ruining your outfit or the cab interior. It need not be coffee all the time, you can fill the mug with your favorite tea or juice, or even a protein shake.

 

Travelling by taxi doesn’t need to bore or frustrate you all the time. With these tools, you’ll be able to make sure that your daily commute throughout Chicago is enjoyable and productive.

Insight

Uber Track Record Continues to Prove that Taxis are Safer

We came across a news headline a couple of days ago that said, “Yet another Uber driver arrested.” As a part of the taxi industry, a headline like that one really makes me mad. Ridesharing services like Uber penetrated the transportation industry seemingly out of nowhere. And since then, the war between this service and cabbies became a worldwide issue.

Safety is one of the major issues in this transportation battle. While we won’t lie and say that there’s no security issues with taxis around the globe, we’re confident to claim that conventional cabbies are a lot safer than ridesharing services like Uber. The controversies with Uber drivers alone can make passengers feel unsafe, even before contacting the ridesharing company. Most of the complaints Uber get involved sexual assault perpetrated by the drivers. This is a sensitive point with the company since Uber is known for having a questionable process of vetting their drivers.

In the past year alone, a staggering number of high-profile incidents involving Uber drivers attacking their passengers made the news. These unfavorable incidents even happen here in Chicago. This is the reason why traditional taxi dispatches make it a point to drill safety and security information to their drivers.

The New App

Traditional cabbies fight back the lure of ridesharing services by providing a safer environment. The security of passengers is of the utmost importance to cabbie drivers, that’s not a secret. To add to this security, Chicago cab companies like Universal Taxi Dispatch are now using an exclusive transportation app. The Universal Taxi app allows potential passengers to:

  • Estimate his fare from Point A to Point B.
  • Acquire various transportation services like corporate accounts, airport pickups, and delivery packages.
  • Choose the right kind of vehicle the passenger wants to use.
  • Provide feedback about the driver and the service.

The last service of the Universal Taxi app is very important because it’s the way the company assesses and regulates its drivers. Routine evaluations help in determining which drivers need to be looked into, and what other areas of security can be strengthened.

The Dangers of Uber

Because ridesharing service has become such a hype these days, a lot of passengers want to try Uber. This is even with all the safety controversies revolving around the service. But exactly how dangerous is Uber as opposed to traditional cabs and limos? The thing is that there’s no specific way to gauge this. It’s always a case-to-case basis. But one thing is for certain, with the quantity of bad feedback and complaints Uber get involving its drivers, there is undoubtedly a security problem. The news about its loose vetting system for drivers and personnel doesn’t help at all too. It seems like in every city where Uber is popular, headlines about Uber drivers doing wrong is becoming a normal occurrence. The company dismisses this vetting issue though. The company’s spokesperson said that their background checking process is consistent everywhere and more rigorous than before.

Although Uber’s embarrassing safety incidents can boost the status of traditional cabbies, we hope that this security issue ends. The passenger’s safety and well-being must always be the driver’s number one priority.

 

 

 

News

The War between Taxis and Ridesharing Services Continues

Ridesharing services invaded the transport industry with hardly an introduction. This is apart from its tempting promises about changing the way people commute and travel. Commuters started using the Uber app in 2009 to get in touch with personal drivers wanting to use their own vehicles to offer strangers a lift. Since then, the hype about this transportation breakthrough grew. When word spread around about good deal rates, similar businesses like Lyft soon followed.

As expected, the cab industry responded with its own rightful buzz. For one, taxi companies stressed that ridesharing services offered unfair competition. This is due to the fact that they weren’t required to stick to the same regulations as cabbies. Without the need for background checks for their drivers, car inspections, certification fees, and further insurance coverage, the expense of operating is lower for ridesharing companies.

Cabbies Fight Back

Just a few months ago, here in Chicago, we launched a fresh start against ridesharing services. This plan is to sponsor a software for passengers to hail local cabbies. The strategy was an important part of a deal which includes monetary support for cabs, like fee breaks, approved by the city council. A union majorly consisted of cab drivers and taxi operators organized this plan in Chicago last year to push hard for the package. This approved plan is the way of the taxi industry to level the playing field. The use of app for conventional taxis is starting to gain popularity now, thanks to the software from trusted companies using it already, like the Universal Taxi app.

The Universal Taxi Dispatch is a great example of this company-based transportation mobile app. It’s a safe way to acquire various services like airport pick-ups, corporate accounts, package delivery, and even school riding programs. By using the app, the passenger can also estimate his fare from point A to point B.

Chicago Cabbie Mobile App

The Chicago regulation commits the city to develop a mobile app that will function as a main dispatch for all of the city’s taxi companies. It is not yet established how the mobile app is going to be implemented. No word yet on who covers the cost for it, and whether rideshare services can bid for the agreement to acquire or run it as well. For the meantime, I suggest that local and foreign passengers can use company-based apps such as Universal Taxi to get the services that they need.

Labor groups state that the taxi industry is suffering from similar problems with low-wage workers in the fast-food and other service industries. This is particularly true with their dormant wages and restricted dealing privileges. The taxi industry projects that this Chicago measure, that includes lowering the fees drivers pay to rent their car, reducing fine amounts , and providing cab drivers a share of in-car marketing earnings, will collectively boost revenue for drivers up to $8,000 each year. As an experienced cabbie, I can honestly say that this is an incredibly great, positive news.

As for the services from the other side of the court, Uber declined to give a comment about the issue. Although, the controversial ridesharing company says that its functionality and safety were better than those of the cab industry.

 

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

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

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

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.