Tag Archives: Universal 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

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.

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.

 

 

 

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?

Press Release

Universal Taxi Dispatch New iPhone / Android App

 

The new Universal Taxi Dispatch App is on the works and will be released at the end of November this year.

Earlier this year we launched a new design for the Universal Taxi Dispatch website and a mobile version of it as well. Our customers loved it. We receveid tons of feeback. We are glad that we can provide our customers a tool to book with ease a taxi cab. In an effort to keep up with the big competitors, we are developing an app that will allow our customers to track their taxi cab at any time.

On top of being able to book a ride with a few taps on your phone,  using the GPS technology built-in on your phone, our app will show you a map with the location of your taxi cab. You will be able to see your taxi approach your location in real time.

taxi cab map

You will be able to pay via PayPal or Credit cards, Rate your ride and have a receipt emailed to you.

hail-utd

 

We would love to keep hearng from you. Please let us know how we can improve our service by sending us a comment here.