TEN APPS TO TRY
UBER Uber’s extensive global network now covers everywhere from London and New York to Lima and New Delhi. Fares with UberX are 40 per cent cheaper than a normal taxi, although beware of “surge” pricing that sees them go up during peak times. You can request more expensive UberXL (SUVs), Exec and Lux vehicles, as well as black cabs (a recent addition). Business travellers can create an account attached to their corporate credit card (company policies can also be integrated). Receipts with journey maps, driver details, times and prices are emailed to all customers. uber.com/business
GETT Gett operates in 57 cities in the UK, US, Israel and Russia. It differs from Uber in that it only books licensed cabs (black taxis in London), which you can request in advance. Gett for Business has more than 4,000 clients. Fares are metered, with fixed prices available on pre-booked journeys over 10km. Gett Clicquot champagne delivery is available in the City, Shoreditch, Clerkenwell, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Belgravia and Kensington (4pm-10pm). gett.com
HAILO Founded five years ago by three London black taxi drivers, Hailo can now be used in more than 20 cities, including Madrid, Singapore and Tokyo. It links 800,000 registered users with more than 16,600 drivers in London. Hailo for Business syncs with corporate cards and offers real-time accounting and pre-booking hours or days ahead. In London, the advantage of getting a black cab versus a private vehicle is they can use bus lanes and will seat five. hailoapp.com
KABBEE This app provides access to 10,000 drivers from more than 70 London minicab companies, with average prices up to 65 per cent cheaper than black taxis. You can book rides for within five minutes or three months, and pay by account, card or cash. Airport transfers have fixed rates. Kabbee says it will soon offer rides in the capital’s Hackney carriages, and will be rolling out across other cities in the UK. Kabbee Treats is the reward scheme that offers points on rides that can be used for upgrades, as well as free food, drink and hotel stays with partner companies. kabbee.com
ADDISON LEE In operation since 1975, this private hire company has moved with the times by launching an app for realtime pick-ups. Addison Lee’s 4,800 central London cars all come with free wifi and phone chargers, and are available in four types including eco-friendly hybrids and Mercedes E Class. There is no surge pricing. Airport trips can be booked in advance with the “pick me up later” function. You can also pay with cash and set up a business account. Loyal users can sign up to ClubLee for points and rewards. addisonlee.com
CABFIND Designed for business people, taxi management company Cabfind connects users with a network of 120,000 drivers across the UK. It is best suited for those with a corporate account but there is also a “book now” option if you want to input your credit card details. You can preprogramme regular journeys, add “via” addresses for any route and choose your preferred vehicle. cabfind.com
LYFT This US-based “ridesharing” company provides a slightly different model, whereby you can request a lift from people in their own cars. (Extensive background checks are made to ensure safety.) Available in dozens of locations – from Chicago to Las Vegas – drivers can make up to US$35 an hour, while passengers pay less than the alternatives. Prime Time surge pricing applies. Lyft for Work partners with Concur on expensing. lyft.com
EASY TAXI Launched in 2012, this Brazilian company has cornered the Latin America market, with 20 million users and 420 global cities covered (from Rio to Bangkok, but none in Europe). It offers similar features and functions to Uber. Easy Taxi Corporate is used by more than 3,000 business clients. easytaxi.com
CURB Available in 63 US cities, Curb connects users with 90 cab companies, providing 35,000 cars driven by professional taxi or for-hire drivers. Payment is generally via the app but in some places cash is accepted. The company was taken over by electronic payments provider Verifone last autumn. gocurb.com
GRAB This South East Asia app can be used in cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Manila and has 200,000 drivers. All rides are legal and insured, and passengers can pay through the app or with cash. There is the option of “standard” and “limo” taxis. grab.com