Did you know that Uber offers taxi services?
Although not widely known, Uber Taxi is one of the many transportation options Uber offers.
While it may seem counterintuitive to the ride-sharing mindset, there was a reason why Uber released this service.
Depending on where you’re located, this could be the next transportation service for you.
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What is Uber Taxi?
Uber Taxi is one of the many services Uber offers for transportation.
Unlike many of its other ride-sharing services, Uber Taxi doesn’t use personal vehicles to get you where you are going.
Instead, these rideshare drivers show up and local, certified taxi cabs.
This is why, in some cities, the service is referred to as Uber Cab.
The Uber Taxi service was developed as a way for Uber to enter the taxi market internationally.
By going out of its way to make its taxi service, Uber can combat international regulations around ride-sharing.
Who Owns Uber Taxi?
The actual service of Uber Taxi is owned by Uber, the popular ride-sharing company.
When you hail a cab using Uber Taxi, you can do so with the Uber app.
All of the same features that you expect from Uber, such as a cashless payment system and vehicle tracking, are all there as well.
However, the taxis that are used by the service will have different ownerships.
Some of these taxis will be owned by the drivers themselves.
Others will be owned by taxi companies and the cabs are on lease to the drivers.
Much like with the other ride-sharing options that are offered, the point of this separation is to make getting a driver easier and reduce overhead for Uber.
In a way, Uber acts as a taxi dispatcher with its Uber Taxi option.
How Does Uber Taxi Work?
Ordering an Uber taxi isn’t that much different than ordering an Uber pickup using UberX, UberXL, or Uber Black.
To hail a cab, you’ll go into the Uber app and request a ride.
If you’re in a city that can offer taxi services from Uber, you’ll have that option from the list of pickup choices.
Currently, there are only about 20 cities where Uber taxis operate.
If you don’t see the option when you’re ordering the ride, that means that it’s not one of the transportation options in your city.
Once you’ve got the taxi ride ordered, to be able to use all the same features that over offers for its other rideshare options.
You’ll be able to get estimates about your pickup time, see your trip status, and get notifications about traffic delays for your driver.
How Do You Pay for an Uber Taxi?
You’ll be able to pay for a taxi with Uber in the same way as you would pay for any other Uber service.
Once you have a payment option selected for the ride, you’ll be automatically charged at the end of the ride without having to exchange cash.
Uber Taxi has its cost broken down based on 3 different factors:
- Set flat rates that will depend on minimum fees and surge pricing in your area
- A $1 or $2 booking fee
- A 20% gratuity
Because actual prices will change with geography, it’s difficult to give sample rider prices for using the service.
However, riders will be able to use various discounts related to current Uber promotions that they may have, just like with other Uber services.
Promotional codes, coupons, and other payment options will work with Uber Taxi.
You won’t have to worry about exchanging cash or swiping a card if you don’t want to.
Uber allows for a stress-free, cashless transaction at the end of the ride.
This transaction is done automatically in the app, so you’ll be able to leave the car as soon as you get to where you’re going.
Where is Uber Taxi Available?
Right now, Uber Taxi is not a widely available service.
Much like regular taxi services, it’s only available in medium to large-sized cities.
Even then, not all cities can accommodate the service.
Here’s a list of some of the cities where you can find Uber taxis:
- London, England
- Chicago, Illinois
- Seoul, South Korea
- New York City, New York
Like with all of its services Uber is constantly trying to expand its services.
So, you can always check back in the Uber app or the Uber website to see if they are rolling out any new taxi services in your area.
Uber Taxi vs Cab
The Uber vs taxi debate is going strong, even today.
Both the Uber Taxi service and local cab companies are similar in a lot of ways.
Both of these services offer taxis that you can use to get in-between places and offer set metered rates for the trip.
Local cab companies and Uber also go out of their way to check their drivers between background checks and driving records.
The main difference between these two options will come down to pricing and convenience.
Because Uber has a unified app that you can use wherever, it can be easier to snag a ride than with a local company, especially if that company is suffering from a driver shortage.
Local taxi companies require either a phone call or flagging down a cab on the road.
However, pricing for both Uber and local companies changes between cities.
You’ll have to look into local pricing and see which has the cheaper option.
How to Get an Uber Taxi Ride
The good news about using Uber Taxi is that it’s not too different from using any other Uber service.
As long as you have an active Uber account with a payment method,
You have everything you need to hail a taxi with Uber.
Calling an Uber Taxi
Passengers for Uber Taxi Start call for a ride just like with any other Uber service.
You’ll go into the Uber app and select the option to order a pickup.
From there, you’ll go through the different options and select the Uber Taxi service to have a cab come out your way.
As long as your account is good to go with a payment option, you will be matched with the driver and a cab will be on its way.
When the cab arrives, you’ll hop in and enjoy the ride to your destination.
You’ll be able to leave as soon as you get to your destination if you have a cashless payment option selected in the Uber app.
If you’re ever having trouble getting the order placed, you can always tap help and get some assistance on placing an Uber Taxi order.
Can I Call an Uber Taxi Without the Uber App?
It is entirely possible to request an Uber ride without a smartphone.
With Uber, you’re able to request rides from both the app and the website.
If you’d rather use the website, make sure that you log in first.
By doing this, you’ll make sure you’re looking at all the options available for your city.
Once you log in, select the Uber taxi service and hail a cab.
You’ll be able to see the same kind of information you would get in the app, including trip status and driver location.
Can I Schedule an Uber Taxi in Advance?
Uber allows you to schedule a ride up to 30 days in advance with any of its services.
If you need to get something set ahead of time, then go into the app and select the schedule option.
Go through all the same steps that you would call a ride normally.
However, you’ll set a time and date for the scheduled pickup rather than wait for your ride immediately.
Part of the scheduling is selecting a service that you’ll use.
Make sure to select Uber Taxi if you’re looking to use a cab to get to where you’re going.
How to Join Uber Taxi as a Driver
One of the big benefits of becoming an Uber Taxi driver is that license cabs can be allowed into areas where Uber’s other services aren’t.
If a driver doesn’t want to work for a local cab company, Uber becomes a much more desirable choice.
Becoming a taxi driver for Uber is very similar to becoming a driver for Uber itself.
You’ll go to the same background track and driving history review that all of Uber’s other drivers have to do.
The main difference with the Uber taxi service is that you also have to follow whatever regulations surround cab drivers in the city you want to work in.
As long as you can pass both the cities and Uber’s requirements, you’ll be set up as a taxi driver and on the road in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Because Uber Taxi is not a widely known service, there are a lot of questions about it.
Here are some of the common questions out there about Uber’s taxi service:
Is Uber cheaper than a cab?
Uber has the potential to be cheaper than a cab because Uber always offers a set metered rate.
However, the cheapest option will depend on where you’re located and if you need a ride during high-volume times.
Are Uber Taxis safe?
Uber taxis are just as safe as any other taxi service.
Uber goes out of its way to see that its taxi drivers are safe drivers and responsible people.
Plus, the vehicles used are registered and meet local regulations.
Are Uber Taxis reliable?
Uber taxis are just as reliable, if not more reliable than local taxi services.
The Uber app does its best to match you with a driver fast.
You’re able to get frequent updates about where your driver is and how long it’ll take to get to you.
Are Uber Taxis still running during COVID-19?
While the pandemic did a lot of damage to ride-sharing and other communal services, Uber is still running its transportation services.
Uber drivers go out of their way to meet local COVID-19 restrictions guidelines to make sure that they drive people safely and responsibly.
Are Uber Taxis VAT registered?
Drivers for Uber Taxi don’t have to receive a VAT register unless they make over £85000 in a year.
Since most drivers will not learn that in a year, most of the drivers for Uber Taxi do not have this registration.
Wrapping Up
The Uber taxi service brings the options of a cab to Uber’s suite of services.
For some, hailing a cab is much more desirable than getting into someone else’s vehicle.
Although not offered in many places, Uber Taxi allows you to get into a certified cab without flagging down a local cab.
Because both local cab companies and Uber Taxi are comparable in many ways, the best option will be the one that offers you the most safety and the best price.
