New Kiwi taxi app says it's better than Uber

This past weekend an Auckland based company launched Cabchooze, a taxi app that provides low fixed fares for journeys beyond 10kms.

The company says it's 'taking on' Uber and is better for a number of reasons.

Cabchooze cites the major differences between the apps as: Cabchooze has fixed fares free from surge pricing; taxis supplied by taxi companies 'to ensure passenger safety and a professional service'; and promotional competitions are held so customers can 'spin to win' for taxi dollars that can be redeemed on taxi fares or with partner businesses.

Last year the company launched a beta, and BK Sharma, Cabchooze project director, says the limited release allowed the team to ensure the infrastructure was in place before tackling the market full on.

"We learned a lot and are now ready to go," he says.

With Cabchooze, customers order a taxi with their smartphone, but a 24/7 0800 number is also available to provide Cabchooze users with customer service and fixed-fare bookings.

When the customer enters their pick-up and drop-off locations and send a request to nearby taxis, the drivers bid for the job.

BK Sharma, Cabchooze project director, says the fare is agreed on at the beginning so people don't need to worry about surge pricing or fear getting 'ripped off' by drivers who take longer routes in order to charge more.

"Cabchooze enables passengers to get the best possible deal for a taxi ride based on price, ETA and the driver's rating," says BK Sharma Cabchooze project director. "It's about giving consumers the best.

This will not negatively impact the driver, says Sharma.

He says Cabchooze will keep the work flowing for drivers, irrespective of any change in the demand and supply pattern.

During peak times when the nearest drivers are busy, the customer request automatically logs on to next closest drivers.

"This is an IT platform that creates a virtual shop front to connect consumers with the closest taxi drivers in real-time. It increases the taxi drivers' daily earning capacity, which enables them to earn more in less time," he says.