Yahoo News 6 taxi apps you can use instead of Uber
Uber has lost its London licence, Transport for London has confirmed, leaving millions of Londoners wondering how they are going to get around the capital.
Granted, the company has announced that it will appeal the decision, and it can continue to operate until it has "exhausted" all appeal processes.
But if it does have to apply the handbrake for good, there are a number of taxi-hailing app alternatives for all the times walking, cycling or catching the bus or Tube don't feel doable. And most of them offer reasonable fares, too.
Here are a few to consider:
1. Gett
This black-cab booking app, available on both iOS and Android, came to London in 2011. Unlike Uber, there's no surge-pricing during peak times and because of its recent focus on taxi sharing, fares are often reasonable. In a new collaboration with urban travel planner Citymapper, 'Gett Together' will offer a new fixed-route taxi service through the city for a flat fare of £3. And if you don't live in London? Gett is also available in cities outside the capital, including Edinburgh, Newcastle, Leeds and Birmingham.
2. Addison Lee
This car service was around long before Uber, but is widely regarded as being the more expensive alternative. However, some updates to its app mean its now easier to use than ever, with the option to book taxis at a chosen times as well as straight away. It also provides a courier service and airport transfers in the capital.
3. Kabbee
Kabbee claims to be 65% cheaper than an average black cab and with over 10,000 cars in London, there's no shortage of them. Users can book from five minutes to months in advance and the company only works with licensed partners.
4. MyTaxi
Formerly known as Hailo, this black cab app operates in over 50 cities across Europe. It aims to "bring the driver to you" and gives users the option to pay in cash or online with the receipts emailed to the passenger. The company has already responded to the Uber news by offering up to 50% off fares in London. The app can be downloaded for free on iPhone and Android.
5. BlaBlaCar
This carpooling service is popular across Europe, but it isn't a taxi-hailing app as such. Instead, registered users of BlaBlaCar can carpool with people who are already making a journey by connecting people with drivers who have empty seats. It could be a cheap alternative to getting the train.
6. Taxify
Billed as "rides at the tap of a button", this Estonian company launched its service in the capital earlier in September as a direct alternative to Uber. It promised lower fares, and just like Uber, it let users rate drivers and pay for the trip automatically through the app. However, within days of launching, Taxify had to suspend its London operation following an investigation by TfL. Markus Villig, the founder and CEO, said in a statement: "I believe London deserves better and I will do everything possible to get Taxify back to improving the London marketplace for drivers and consumers as soon as possible."
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