Uber-competitor Taxify launches in Sydney, Melbourne

By David Flynn, January 25 2018
Uber-competitor Taxify launches in Sydney, Melbourne

European ride-sharing service Taxify is now up and running in Sydney and Melbourne, with Brisbane soon to follow.

While Taxify’s name makes you think it’s an app for hailing a cab, it’s based on the same ride-sharing concept as Uber X – and Taxify is well aware that it’s going up against a market-domineering colossus.

To chip away at that colossus, Taxify is baiting users with the promise of half-price fares and no surge pricing during most of December – and although surge pricing will be applied during public holidays and on New Year’s Eve, it will be capped at 1.5 times the usual rate.

To try Taxify for yourself, download the Taxify iPhone app or Android app and when you sign up, apply the promo code of  31QSA and get $10 off your first ride (Australian Business Traveller will also collect $10 in ride credit, so that’s a bit of a win-win).

The company claims it already has over 4,000 Sydney drivers on its books, although no doubt many of those will be also be driving for Uber – but any form of competition’s got to be a good thing, right?

David

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

28 Jul 2011

Total posts 60

I used this in Sydney yesterday and was quite impressed. Very much the same as Uber, but the 50% off was a nice benefit. Had a very friendly driver who seemed very happy with the new scheme.

That being said, I got an UberSELECT the night before and got an uberBLACK pick me up. Apparently some promotion of upgrading you to try and get more business (so I was told by the driver).

Turkish Airlines - Miles & Smiles

08 Jun 2014

Total posts 263

I go for Uber Select now as I'm more surprised with the class of cars given or supplied when you opt for Select. Black is highly priced and I still don't trust X in Australia or abroad. Taxi's haven't got my loyalty in Australia yet... and occasionally catch them where Uber isn't avialable.

Mr Miyagi Banned
Mr Miyagi Banned

18 Jan 2018

Total posts 63

Why do you trust select but not X?

13 Sep 2016

Total posts 177

I've caught a few Taxify rides so far and they're all also Uber X drivers, they just prefer Taxify as the drivers get a larger slice of the fare.

11 Dec 2014

Total posts 10

The promo code seems to be invalid

24 Apr 2014

Total posts 271

I agree, does not work.

24 Oct 2010

Total posts 2559

The promo code is working, we're receiving plenty of sign-up alerts from Taxify.

02 Dec 2016

Total posts 92

I suspect we'll see what happens in the US with Uber and Lyft, where drivers have both apps running and then manually swap over the stickers depending on the job they're doing.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

19 Jan 2018

Total posts 91

I hadn't heard of this, so thank you to David for the helpful article in making me aware of it. I look forward to their entry into the BNE market.


I have been saying for a long time that it is vital that we get some serious competition in the rideshare market. The risk of having Uber being such a dominant player is that we will simply move from one monopoly (the taxi industry) to another (Uber).

I would really like to see the boys over at Lyft enter the Australian market as well. I have had nothing but positive experiences with them in the US. They also seem to have more rigid requirements for who they allow to drive (i.e. not dominated by former taxicab drivers). Great people.

Zac
Zac

23 May 2014

Total posts 119

Looking forward to deleting the Uber app after an Uber Eats issue last weekend (with some very forgettable follow on support). Great to finally have some competition in this area.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

19 Jan 2018

Total posts 91

It is interesting that you say that Zac, as for all the faults with Uber and the lousy nature of some of their (mostly ex-taxicab drivers), I have always found their support to be very good.


In most cases, I have found the support team, who tend to be young local lads, will be profusely apologetic about the conduct of their drivers and will instantly offer a full or partial refund. Good to see the customer winning again.

Zac
Zac

23 May 2014

Total posts 119

They were indeed friendly so it's nothing personal, but the issue with the order wasn't resolved. There must be a difference re what they can do from and Uber vs Uber Eats perspective. Anyway I'm glad we now have alternatives to both.

24 Apr 2014

Total posts 271

Why is it called rideshare when you don’t actually share the ride?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

08 Aug 2016

Total posts 54

I believe the term comes from the driver sharing his own ride.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

19 Jan 2018

Total posts 91

That’s Correct.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Jan 2017

Total posts 73

I just downloaded the app and used the code. Came back with $5 credit.

Used Taxify first time yesterday but unfortunately did use the promo code. Maybe I should have as my Tax Invoice came in at $9.30 but my credit card was charged $25. Great start to doing business with me. And here's me thinking I'll give a fellow Baltic buddy a go. NEVER AGAIN!


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