Catching a cab during the 2012 London Games might be impossible, if not for TaxiBaxck. TaxiBack is a new UK-based startup that connects those in need of a cab with cabbies who need a fare. In order to use the service, you must know your starting point and destination ahead of time, so you can't exactly use it for spontaneous trips, or for nights out.
If you are someone who likes to plan ahead, then TaxiBack will be perfect for you. Once you submit your itinerary, the site will send you three bids from registered cabbies. Since the cabbies are competing against each other, you're sure to get a discounted rate. The cabbies win by booking guaranteed fares a day in advance, and the consumer wins by not having to hail a cab and haggle a fare.
Competing Cabbie Services
Taxiback Makes Taxi Drivers Bid on Your Fare
Trend Themes
1. Digital Taxi Booking - TaxiBack's online platform connecting riders with cabbies showcases the growing trend of using digital platforms to book taxis.
2. Competitive Pricing - The bidding system employed by TaxiBack highlights the trend of competitive pricing in the taxi industry as cabbies bid against each other to offer the best fare.
3. Pre-planning Services - TaxiBack's requirement for users to know their starting point and destination ahead of time taps into the trend of pre-planning services, catering to individuals who prefer to have their transportation arrangements made in advance.
Industry Implications
1. Transportation - The TaxiBack platform falls within the transportation industry, where disruptive innovation opportunities lie in developing user-friendly digital platforms for booking taxis and utilizing competitive pricing systems.
2. Technology - The growing trend of digital taxi booking presents disruptive innovation opportunities for technology companies to develop advanced online platforms that connect riders with cabbies and streamline the booking process.
3. Hospitality and Tourism - Hospitality and tourism businesses can leverage the trend of pre-planning services exemplified by TaxiBack to offer transportation solutions to travelers, ensuring a hassle-free experience during their stay.