We all know the way in which journeys are made has changed in recent times. The rise of Uber and other similar app-based services have presented a challenge to conventional local taxi companies that have maybe existed for many years or decades already.
Nonetheless, there are plenty of ways in which businesses are adapting and using the arrival of new technologies to their advantage. These changes can generate greater levels of efficiency, which in turn lead to financial benefits. You can find out more about these examples below.
Apps for Drivers
More and more taxi companies are now developing apps used directly by their drivers. These allow drivers to communicate efficiently with HQ, get directions and everything else they need, all in one place. It’s the drivers and their performance that dictate how efficient a business is or can be, so giving them an app that streamlines their working lives makes sense. The app companies create can be tailored to their specific needs.
Dispatch Software
It’s no longer realistic for drivers and dispatchers to communicate with two-way radios. GPS tracking and the right software can maximize efficiency by ensuring the right drivers are assigned the right jobs. When this is done poorly without the use of modern software, the entire business’s performance remains inefficient, whether management realizes it or not.
Ride-Hailing Systems
Ride-hailing is now seen as the key to efficiency for taxi services. It means that when a driver takes a passenger to a location, they can find a new customer nearby to pick up right away rather than waiting around or driving back to HQ. It requires a 3-way tech system that allows passengers, office staff and drivers to work in tandem to ensure efficiency not only for the business but also the customers.
Sustainability as a Selling Point
One of the ways in which taxi companies are competing today is by emphasizing their sustainability efforts as a selling point. Electric vehicles are becoming more commonplace but most taxi companies aren’t yet using them. Nevertheless, there’s a growing market of people out there who care a great deal about their carbon footprint and would rather support taxi companies that use green vehicles. As more people become concerned with these issues, it really does become a selling point.
Card Payment Solutions
These days, taxi customers expect to be able to pay with their cards in a way that’s smooth, quick and efficient. Companies that still only allow cash payments aren’t going to be loved by their customers. Using quick contactless card payment options or even providing the option to pay via cards or Paypal on the app you create can really benefit customers and make them more likely to use your services.
All of these changes combined help to make taxi companies more efficient, cutting down on wasted resources and making the most of the demand that exists from customers in their local area. If your taxi company is looking to compete and boost efficiency, these are the kinds of technological changes that can make a difference.
