In recent years, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft have essentially taken over every major city, giving taxis a run for their money. While using your smartphone to call an Uber may be simpler than using a phone, comparing the costs of an Uber and a taxi cost estimate might be challenging.
The ride-hailing service Uber describes itself as “smarter than a cab.” But there are numerous situations where using a local taxi service will be more cost-effective. One of the causes of Uber’s achievements is its prices may be less expensive than using a cab, mostly when you are travelling a long distance. A taxi, though, is frequently a preferable choice. For instance, the taxis price may be less expensive for short journeys when the fare is under $35.
Beware of Surge Pricing:
When there is a lot of demand, a taxi is probably the wiser choice as well. This is due to the fact that during these times, Uber and other services like Lyft, Poparide and Carpool Canada rely on surge pricing to raise prices by up to four times. According to the argument, enabling drivers to charge more will encourage them to get behind the wheel and assist meet passenger demand.
Surge pricing can occur more frequently than you might anticipate in some areas with considerable traffic, like Yonge-Dundas Square in Toronto. Furthermore, UberX can cost more than taking a cab, especially for shorter trips, even without surge pricing. Uber’s minimum fare is $8, but Toronto’s yellow taxi price is only $2.50 for entering the vehicle. In addition to this, even after accounting for tips for taxi drivers, UberX is frequently more expensive. Typically, Uber drivers do not take tips.
Applications for Finding the Best Deals:
Even while Uber gives you a price estimate before you get in the car, the actual cost of the trip may come as a surprise due to things like a change of route, traffic or the weather. One famous incident occurred earlier this year when a woman claimed to have “almost passed out” after discovering that Uber had charged her $640 for a ride to the airport in the middle of a snowstorm. Whereas, taxis service frequently use meters or predetermined fare schedules for a taxi cost estimate.
RideGuru and WhatsTheFare are two applications and websites that can assist you in determining if it will be more advantageous for you to take an Uber or a taxis. In addition to these apps, you can check for any signs of traffic by using google maps as well.
Cost Variables to Consider:
You might consider more than simply the cost of a ride when deciding on a mode of transportation. You might appreciate how easy it is to use the Uber app because you can monitor drivers’ locations while you wait to be picked up and rate drivers. However, not all Uber drivers are as familiar with their cities as taxis driver are. This is why they generally use GPS on their phones to navigate.
The intelligent local taxi drivers may not be able to be replaced by technology, though. Additional factors should be taken into account when comparing the prices of Uber and taxis. For instance, the average tip given by taxis customer to the driver is 20%. Tip options are also available with Uber.
Another significant factor that can influence cost is the surge pricing for Uber. Expect to pay more on nights when cabs are in great demand, like New Year’s Eve, as surge pricing effectively means that Uber’s price varies depending on demand. Uber levies a cancellation fee that varies by the city in addition to a minimum fare amount. When you open the Uber app and see a surge price of 1.8, you may expect to pay more like $18 for a $10 journey. Therefore, you should wait a few minutes or, if you are in a safe location, take a few blocks in the opposite direction to avoid surge pricing.
So, Which is Better: Uber or Taxis?
According to Uber, there are still advantages to utilizing Uber even if your prices are greater than with conventional taxis. Think about the following:
- Almost anywhere that is handy for you can be used to arrange for an Uber cab to pick you up. In a crowded urban area, you typically have to flag down or meet a traditional taxi. This not only probably lengthens the time it takes the taxi to arrive at your location, but it also probably causes you hassles because you have to walk through an area with many other cars (which can be unsafe and time-consuming).
- When it comes to whether or not your taxi really arrives, Uber is more trustworthy. More than 35% of all traditional taxis requested via dispatch never arrive at their pick-up locations. If there is not a driver available at the moment in your neighborhood, Uber will let you know and won’t accept your request for a ride. Additionally, once your ride request is accepted, you may use the Uber app to track the whereabouts of your taxi.
- You have to spend time searching through your wallet or handbag for cash or a credit card to pay your fare after taking a typical cab. With Uber, your driver will automatically charge the credit card associated with your Uber account using the Uber app, allowing you to leave right away.
Conclusion:
While the cost of a taxi is less for travelling in crowded regions like Toronto, Uber is often more affordable for longer trips travelling at a higher speed. Having said that, location also affects things. Uber is less expensive than the cost of a taxi in cities like Sherbrooke, Laval, and Saint John, while taxi cost estimates are less in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. In cities like Calgary and Nova Scotia, it is almost a draw.