With a surge in the number of huge global ride-sharing apps and international chains popping up around the UK, the convenience this seems to offer on the surface has been offset by reports of safety concerns, lack of reliability, and issues where drivers simply select the fares they perceive as most valuable - without any accountability.
As one of many locally managed taxi organisations that have innovated to introduce app-based bookings, SWOOP Taxis, an independently run Swindon taxi service, explains why a local taxi business remains the best way to travel.
The Value of Cab Drivers with Local Knowledge
Countless travellers find themselves running late for a meeting, heading straight for a taxi from their train, or trying to navigate traffic jams during rush hour in an unfamiliar city. While GPS technology is undoubtedly helpful, it can't beat a taxi driver who knows the area inside out.
There are all sorts of issues that can affect your journey (and the cost of your fare) that a GPS tracker won't know. Examples include four-way traffic lights causing long tailbacks, junctions that are tricky to turn out of, quick cut-throughs that can dodge busy roundabouts and access routes that provide a more direct journey than a main road or motorway.
Particularly for airport transfers or longer journeys where you cannot risk being late, a local taxi service is the ideal solution, ensuring you can avoid congestion, steer clear of bottlenecks and get to your destination on time.
Local cabbies pride themselves on their knowledge and reputation and never take the long way around to increase the fare. Likewise, their rates are normally more affordable and don't cover extra costs linked with running a corporate head office or expensive advertising budgets.
Taxi Driver Verification and Vetting Processes
Taxi companies take extra care to vet every driver who works for their firm, conducting thorough assessments and background checks to confirm a driver is experienced, has a full and clean licence, and is reputable.
Unfortunately, larger chains often rely on applicants to provide accurate information – which can't always be independently checked.
While incidents are few and far between, SWOOP clients prefer the assurance that their allocated driver is reliable and has been vetted for the job, with their ID, driving licence and credentials examined and approved before they can accept their first passenger.
Our drivers all need to have a minimum number of years of driving experience and be covered by professional insurance, so you know that your cab will never be driven by an inexperienced driver who may not be equipped to handle challenging weather or traffic conditions.
Excellent Customer Experiences and Comfort
Professional taxi drivers go above and beyond to ensure their passengers are comfortable, happy and well looked after, whether that means stopping off at a cash point, recommending a great place to eat, or playing their preferred radio station during the journey.
We offer a full range of services and can cater to any travel requirements, including:
- Airport transfer to any major airport, including Gatwick, Heathrow, Bristol and Birmingham.
- Shorter journeys; on-demand from your chosen pick-up point.
- Bookings for larger groups, with the option of stating the number of passengers and bags within the SWOOP app.
All our local cabs are kept in great condition, regularly cleaned, and driven by suitably qualified and friendly drivers who can accommodate your requirements.
Comparing the Costs of Local Taxis vs National Suppliers
We've mentioned cost, and this can be an important consideration, especially for those taking taxis on a regular basis or relying on cab companies to provide cost-effective travel during business journeys.
One of the big differences between a local taxi company and a national chain is that they calculate fares differently. We can provide a competitive quote for your journey at the point of booking – simply pay the driver via cash or card as you prefer, without needing to register your payment details.
Ride-sharing firms tend to provide rough price indications on booking, but these are subject to change, and the charging bases are often unclear. For example, passengers may be unaware they are paying additional surcharges for travel during the night or during peak times when businesses charge more to maximise their revenues.
Local cab firms offer complete transparency, often with pre-agreed rates, so you know precisely what your journey is going to cost and can decide whether to hop out early in heavy traffic or to remain in the comfort of your taxi for the duration.
Choosing SWOOP as your Local Taxi Firm
As a customer-focused taxi business, we value our repeat customers who know they can rely on the SWOOP app to blend convenience, affordability, customer service and comfort with hassle-free journeys 24/7. Our drivers are all locally registered and have great knowledge of the best routes.
Booking a cab on-demand through our app-based service is quick and straightforward, and you can specify your collection and drop-off points, ensuring we get you door-to-door.
While we specialise in taxi services across Swindon, Bath, Chippenham, and the surrounding areas, SWOOP drivers also offer transport further afield in Wiltshire and Somerset and to and from any major transport hub.
Drivers are available around the clock and can organise ad hoc journeys on demand or arrange your transport in advance so you have the peace of mind your taxi will be where you want it when you need it and get you to your destination without delay.
You can download the SWOOP app today to start enjoying all the benefits of a local taxi service for stress-free travel.
Read more about SWOOP Taxis - The Benefits of Using a Swindon Taxi Service for Airport Transportation
About SWOOP Taxis
SWOOP is a fast, friendly, and stress-free taxi service operating across Bath, Swindon and Chippenham. Order your cab via the app and have the full control of paying the driver direct. All drivers accept credit, debit cards and cash paid direct to them at the end of your journey.
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Source Company: https://swoop.co.uk/
