IN THE BACK SEAT

But that, it seems, would be a big mistake. Leading providers of chauffeur services – often perceived as something of a luxury – say demand is growing, with corporates covering off duty of care and security concerns and, increasingly, highlighting the traveller wellbeing benefits.

“Even in the age of ride-hailing apps we find the demand is still there from those who prefer the premium service, comfort and reliability of a professional chauffeur,” says one leading provider.

There is no doubt that ride-hailing services have shaken up the taxis and transfers landscapes, so the chauffeur drive sector has been forced to evolve. This is good news for corporates, with increasingly more chauffeur companies providing API links for booking their services and integrating their content with aggregators and online booking tools.

The next challenge is for providers to meet corporates’ sustainability needs by at the very least offering carbon offsetting facilities. They must also maintain a fleet of newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles and, as some providers are doing, begin incorporating electric vehicles for shorter or urban transfers. “Nearly every RFP asks about sustainability initiatives now,” one provider recently told us.

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