Uber-competitor Taxify launches in Sydney, Melbourne
By David Flynn, January 25 2018
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 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
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
08 Jun 2014
Total posts 257
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.
18 Jan 2018
Total posts 63
Why do you trust select but not X?
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 178
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 272
I agree, does not work.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2549
The promo code is working, we're receiving plenty of sign-up alerts from Taxify.
02 Dec 2016
Total posts 91
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 93
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.
23 May 2014
Total posts 123
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 93
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.
23 May 2014
Total posts 123
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 272
Why is it called rideshare when you don’t actually share the ride?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Aug 2016
Total posts 55
I believe the term comes from the driver sharing his own ride.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Jan 2018
Total posts 93
That’s Correct.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jan 2017
Total posts 72
I just downloaded the app and used the code. Came back with $5 credit.
26 Feb 2018
Total posts 1
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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