Beyond Uber (there is more)

Continuing the discussion from Minicab Services:

Lots of debate here, around the coffee machines and inside taxis of all ilk about Uber. So while I’m convinced this spat between TfL and Uber will be sorted out, I thought it might be useful to list some of the app-based alternatives. I for one would welcome feedback on these other services. And for fun I thought I’d include an estimated fare between my house on Sunderland Road and Trafalgar Square where I work.

These are all one’s I’ve used. Interested to hear of others. The issue is there is choice in the market.

If you’re a first time user for any of them its worth a look. Many have first time offers like £10 off.

Uber (for base comparison)
£17-22

Addison Lee
£25.45 with cash, cheque or paypal. Plus £5 off.

AddLee has been a long time favourite but always among the most expensive options. By far the most comfortable vehicles and very professional drivers. Probably thanks in part to Uber they’ve become cheaper, introduced off peak times and offer loads of discounts to get your evening/weekend business. A current offer brings this down to £20.45. Can be pre-booked.

Gett
£34.40. Plus £5 off.

Before Uber came to London there was Gett. Using black cabs this is my current favourite way to get one of these taxis. They can be pre-booked and there is an offer of a flat fare. Once they were the cheapest by far (even Uber) to a place near Gatwick. They’ve introduced Gett Together which now has two defined routes in London and you can hail through the app a ride on the route for £2! They too have had loads of offers. I currently have £5 off my next five rides.

My Taxis
£39

This used to be Hailo and is the other black cab app. It is the least user friendly IMHO though I use it as work has a corporate account. The fare is only an estimate though I usually find it cheaper.

Kabbee
£28.60 from closest and cheapest.

This gathers quotes from local mini cab firms. I’ve only just started using it as there are times it is quoted cheaper than Uber. I also find the quotes differ widely depending on the time of day. Quotes are split into closest, cheapest, best rated and executive.

Long term fan of Addison Lee. Yes they are expensive. But completely reliable and professional. I only get cabs for special occassions or airport trips, so the expense feels justified.

Any Lyft users care to report in???

Do we have Lyft in London?

Just as an FYI, black cab drivers who use VeriFone terminals are having a LOT of trouble with them so if you use a black cab and are planning to pay by card check first. Good few cabbies losing out through no fault of their own.

I find it surprising that the failure rate of those terminals is so much higher among London’s public hire taxi drivers than elsewhere (based on my own very small sample - about half the time I’ve hailed a cab in the last year).

It’s a shame, because those terminals were mandated by TfL to enhance consumer choice and as a side-effect they would ensure that no earnings are overlooked by the tax man.

Dave - @anon5422159 has deleted his comments so you may want to delete yours now too.

Done.

On another thread it was pointed out that Forest Hill Cars have a booking app for both IOS and Android. Has anyone used it? I could add to the list on top?