An app that allows you to book from local cab firms anywhere in the UK has completed over one million trips.
In a bid to bring smaller cab firms back as an option against taxi companies like Uber, the iGo app links to cab firms in almost any area for you to book.
Since its launch in 2017, the Manchester-based business has allowed trips in more than 55,000 vehicles in the UK and can now be used across 30 countries.
Research commissioned by Autocab – developers of iGo – completed a survey of 2,000 people, which showed that most people in the UK cannot order an Uber from their own home.
When asked ‘Is Uber available where you live?’ just 28 per cent of people answered ‘Yes’. In contrast, local taxi firms that have signed up to iGo make it possible to order a taxi via an app almost anywhere in the UK.
“The iGo Network continues to grow as local taxi firms acknowledge that they need to adapt and collaborate in order to compete”, said Safa Alkateb, CEO of Autocab.
“Reassuringly, our survey also challenges the wide-spread perception that Uber has a monopoly on the UK taxi market. As results show, there is a large proportion of the public who just aren’t catered to by its ride-hailing app.
“Although we know how easy it is for passengers to use their local taxi firm’s app nationwide, awareness amongst consumers definitely needs to increase.
“This shouldn’t be the world’s best kept secret, everyone should know about it!”
The survey also showed a want from the younger generation for local taxi apps that work anywhere. When asked ‘Would you use your local taxi firm more if they had an app that worked everywhere you went?’ 50 per cent in the 18-24 year old age bracket said ‘Yes’.
“Local taxi firms have had to adapt and adopt new tech following the growth of companies such as Uber. Collaborating with each other using technology is crucial to their survival,” Alkateb added.
“Local firms are seeing a big increase in bookings and revenues, and improved customer reviews using iGo – working together just makes sense!”
Established in 1991, Autocab is a technology business supplying primarily to the private hire and taxi industry
A family-owned business, led by Safa Alkateb and nephew Hassan Abod, Autocab currently has 170 employees.