Taxi verse Uber: Which side are you on?

It’s a question that has sparked major debate across Brisbane, do you prefer a rideshare company like Uber, or the old-fashioned taxi? HAVE YOUR SAY

Taxi V Uber: Which side are you on?

• ‘Give me Uber any day’

Uber or taxi – For the past 12 years Uber has dominated the Queensland transport landscape, but many still prefer an old-fashioned taxi.

Rideshares are highly regarded as one of the best ways to get home after a huge sporting event, a night out in the valley, or simply to get into the city to avoid parking.

But the amount of taxis zipping around the city proves that the longstanding service is still being used.

The question of whether to opt for an Uber or a taxi has recently sparked a debate on social media among Brisbanites.

So we thought it was time to end the debate once and for all.

HERE ARE FIVE REASONS TO OPT FOR AN UBER AND FIVE FOR CHOOSING A TAXI:

TEAM TAXI

Taxis can be a more convenient option at times.

1. Nothing is worse than trying to leave an event and everyone is jumping on the Uber app to find a ride share. It means the price of a 20-minute Uber ride can spike instantly. Typically, taxi prices stay at a reasonable rate regardless of whether a customer orders via a taxi app, over the phone, or at a taxi cab rank.

2. When a customer orders a taxi, they will get two options – a flat-rate fee or a fare meter. Meter fares are calculated based on distance and time and can often lead to a cheaper fare for riders.

3. While other rideshare companies require customers to pay via Apple Pay or debit card, taxis are the only rideshare service that allows customers to use cash.

4. For those who aren’t tech-savvy, a taxi is just one phone call away. Customers can organise for a driver to pick them up over the phone and are contacted once the driver has arrived.

5. Taxi cab ranks are a lifesaver when it feels like the entire population of Brisbane is attempting to order an Uber. The whole process is relatively painless, with customers able to jump into a cab at their nearest taxi rank within minutes. (You can also get a maxi, fitting up to 13 people.)

TEAM UBER

Do you prefer Uber or taxis?

1. High inflation, rising interest rates and soaring rent costs have encouraged consumers to try inexpensive carpooling options to reduce spending. In response, Uber recently implemented an option for Uber Pool, allowing customers to jump into a rideshare with other riders heading in a similar direction for a cheaper fare.

2. Uber has implemented several features aimed at keeping customers safe and comfortable on their journeys. Drivers are required to periodically take a selfie, which is matched against their on-file identification to help ensure that the right driver is behind the wheel. Customers can also set up the Trusted Contacts feature, which reminds customers to share the trip status with friends and family in real-time. These are just a few of the ways Uber reinforces safety through their service.

3. Once you’ve ordered an Uber, you will always know where your driver is before and after your journey. Every trip is tracked through GPS, meaning customers can see how far their driver is from picking them up or from the desired destination.

4. During peak travel times, an Uber is more likely to accept a customer’s trip than a taxi. While it may come at a more expensive fee, it means customers can arrive at their destination quicker rather than waiting for peak travel times to drop off.

5. Nothing is worse than ordering a taxi over the phone or via a taxi app and not being told your driver cancelled your trip. Uber fortunately informs customers when a driver has cancelled and instantly finds a new driver.