The rise in popularity of ride-hailing services has taken the public transportation sector by surprise. It seems that the tech-savvy generation of urban travelers has warmed up to the idea that by using an app, they can pay someone with a car to pick them up and bring them to their destination without going through the cutthroat action of hailing a taxicab or using the subway.
If you still haven’t tried this customized means of transport, here are five ways that urban travelers can benefit from ride-hailing services:
- Provides User-Friendly App
Have you ever tried hailing a cab in your city during rush hour? Well, if you have, then you’ll know how excruciatingly embarrassing it is to run after a taxi or box your way out of other commuters to get a ride.
By using a ride-hailing app, riders can quickly summon a car to their location with just a few taps on their mobile phones. In just a matter of minutes, the ride will arrive to pick the passenger up and bring them to their destination without a hassle.
Also, conveniently, service providers will have their own ride hailing platform, which users can download. Installing the app shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.
- Promotes Competitive Pricing
At first glance, ride-hailing services may appear to be more expensive because you typically pay a premium fare during rush hours. However, if you compare it to a taxi or car service, the fee fluctuates depending on traffic conditions, unlike the fixed taxi fares. So, for non-busy hours, you can expect to pay a cheaper fare.
Moreover, you could avail of lower fees when using ride-hailing apps for long trips. In contrast, some taxi drivers might not agree to take you to far-off destinations without asking for additional payment on top of what’s on the meter reading. There are even instances where some taxi drivers take advantage of tourists and ask for exorbitant fees for their service.
With ride-hailing apps, you can see your fare upfront. This means you’ll know how much you need to pay the driver before you even take the ride. Of course, it’s up to you to give your driver a tip.
It’s also worth noting that companies providing a zero emission ride hailing service also offer competitive pricing, even if the vehicles they use are more expensive. In other words, riders don’t have to fear that they’ll have to pay more for using an environment-friendly service.
- Offers A Better Option Than Bringing Your Own Car
Driving your own car is a convenient way of traveling. However, if you plan to go around a busy city, driving may not be the best option. Sure, there are tips to help you cut through heavy traffic in the city, but there’s a better choice: using a ride-hailing service.
Availing of a ride-hailing service is a more convenient option because you don’t have to be stressed by the heavy traffic or worry about finding a parking spot, which can be hard to find in urban areas.
- Vetted Drivers And Users
Safety is one of the biggest benefits that urban travelers get from ride-hailing services. App users somehow feel safer knowing that the drivers are vetted and carefully checked by the ride-hailing companies. A study reveals that sexual assault cases have declined in New York areas where ride-hailing services have seen increased adoption.
The rating system in the apps encourages drivers of ride-hailing services to be more professional, drive safely, and maintain clean vehicles. Disrespectful drivers and those who provide poor service or drive dangerously are usually weeded out. Also, since customers typically look at the drivers’ ratings before they book the service, those with poor ratings don’t get booked.
- Enables Cashless Transaction
Many people now prefer digital transactions when paying for a variety of services. Aside from convenience, many folks go for cashless transactions because they think coins and paper bills can transmit diseases. Also, with the recent pandemic, many people are more careful with their health and hygiene, so they don’t want to use traditional cash as much as possible.
Typically, ride-hailing apps are connected to the passenger’s credit card or online payment account, so the services and tips are paid through the app. Thus, no paper bills or coins are exchanged when transacting with ride-hailing services. Also, it provides urban passengers with more convenience even during emergencies.
All you need is a smartphone, and you can get a car to bring you to your destination even if you don’t have any cash with you.
Bottom Line
The ride-hailing service has permanently changed the landscape of the transportation sector. Its popularity has risen over the years because of the many benefits it provides consumers, particularly those in highly urbanized areas across the globe. The good news is that you, too, can launch your ride-hailing business.