Ride-Sharing Apps
Uber, Bolt, and Lyft are some of the most popular ride-sharing apps in the UK, and they’re renowned for their convenience. These apps provide you with the ability to summon a ride with just a few taps on a smartphone. That said, services such as these aren’t without their concerns.
Bad Uber Stories
The word we keep returning to is convenience; however, there have been a number of concerning incidents linked to Uber in particular. It goes way beyond customers getting a bad Uber rating for no reason; there have been reports of drivers with criminal records and instances of assault and harassment, meaning there’s a dark side to the seemingly seamless experience offered by Uber. Passengers have reported feeling unsafe or uncomfortable during Uber rides, which naturally raises questions about what the platform does to help guarantee passenger safety.
You only need to do a quick Google search to find countless horror stories that truly display the gravity of the situation. Whether it’s about drivers deviating from routes, engaging in reckless driving, or exhibiting aggressive behaviour, these instances paint a troubling picture of the potential risks linked to ridesharing.
Uber vs Taxi Safety Statistics
As far as safety is concerned, traditional taxis have a longstanding track record that speaks volumes. Unlike ridesharing drivers, taxi drivers must pass a series of background checks and licencing requirements. Similarly, taxis tend to be equipped with safety features like cameras and panic buttons, providing passengers with an additional layer of protection.
Statistically, traditional taxis are safer than ridesharing services, as the rate of fatal accidents involving ridesharing vehicles is significantly higher than that of traditional taxis. When selecting a mode of transportation, safety has to be your number one priority, and that generally means opting for a traditional taxi service over ridesharing.
What’s more, traditional taxis are regulated by local authorities, meaning they must comply with safety standards and regulations. As a result, passengers are provided with peace of mind as they’re travelling with professionals who adhere to strict guidelines.
The Human Touch
Traditional taxis provide the human connection that ride-sharing apps don’t. Using ride-sharing apps requires you to tap your smartphone a few times, and this immediately distances you from the driver. With this distance comes the potential for discomfort, as the driver isn’t required to make any effort to reassure you. Even when digitally booking with traditional taxi providers, you’ll be met with a friendly face who understands the importance of good customer service.
Opt for Traditional Taxis with Place2Place
We can’t deny the fact that ridesharing services are convenient; however, this convenience comes at the cost of compromised safety. At Place2Place, we work to provide this same convenience, as customers are able to order taxis via our app, online, or by giving us a call. Arguably, this places us ahead of ridesharing apps in terms of convenience, as customers are able to choose their preferred method of booking, which isn’t the case for ridesharing apps.
As well as offering an array of convenient booking methods, you can also rest assured that you’re in safe hands with a Place2Place taxi driver. Each of our drivers is required to go through thorough checks to ensure that their licence is clean and that they have no convictions relating to harassment or abuse. This is in addition to the training that they must carry out and their in-depth knowledge of the Kent area to ensure a stress-free journey for the passenger.
Place2Place customers report a pleasant experience when using our services, highlighting the politeness of our drivers, the cleanliness of our cars, and the swiftness of our service. You might be able to get a cheaper ride with Uber or Bolt, but you won’t have the promise that the driver will do everything in their power to keep you safe. It’s not worth compromising your safety to save a few pennies, so protect your peace of mind and book with Place2Place.
