You are aware of the reason for taxi dispatch software if you have ever lost a booking due to a scribbled note, missed call or a driver who didn't catch the message. You may not even have a name for the fix yet! It's the system that makes bookings, matches them with drivers and maintains all trips from the booking to the drop off.
In theory, it's simple, but in practice it is not. But there is a lot of detail to consider, which differs significantly by provider. So, here is a simplified explanation of what it does, how to use it, and how to select one without being overwhelmed by the jargon.
Therefore, What is Taxi Dispatch Software, actually?
Long answer: It's the operating system of a taxi or private car hire business. It takes bookings, arranges jobs, picks the right drivers and monitors all the jobs assigned. Modern platforms will typically extend this reach and bring together passenger apps, driver apps, pricing, payments and reporting all under the same roof.
It is also known as a taxi dispatch system or dispatch platform. It's the same thing, but with a new name. The end result is the same, regardless of the name: reduced bookings, reduced calls, and a better understanding of what's happening with your fleet at any given moment.
How It Works: Booking to Drop Off
This is the typical sequence, one step at a time.
1. A booking arrives. It could be by phone, on a website or via a passenger application. It may be for this moment or next Thursday.
2. A driver is assigned by Dispatch. This is done automatically by the system, by hand by a dispatcher or both depending on the job.
3. The driver accepts. The role shows up in the driver app, and it's all accepted back to the office right away.
4. The trip runs. Live trip tracking allows the office (and the driver) to see progress as status updates are shared as the driver heads to the pick-up and then to the destination.
5. The trip ends. Nobody has to retype a thing for payment, records and reporting to update.
If it's in operation, you barely notice it! Honestly, that's what it's about.
Dispatch System, Booking Software, Fleet Management: Are They the Same Thing?
Taxi booking software is based on booking the taxi. Consider the web form or the passenger application. A dispatch system is concerned with the next step - who takes the assignment and what the next step is. Taxi fleet management software includes features for the back office as well, such as driver logs, vehicle paperwork, invoices, and reports.
The most effective platforms link all three, meaning a gripe about one trip takes you directly to the booking, the driver and the record of the account associated with that. If the product is only covering one slice, you will have to make your own stitching tools. That's rarely fun.
Automatic vs Manual Dispatch: Which One Do You Need?
Probably both.
Automatic dispatch is fast and reliable. It's great for standard local work when you have a lot of jobs lined up. Manual dispatch provides a human's final say, useful for account customers or when picking up something awkward or someone you can trust for a particular job.
The majority of companies opt for a hybrid approach, with automatic override used as the standard and manual override options only activated when necessary. If you're comparing providers, see all three modes (automatic, manual and mixed), all working, and not on a slide.
What Else Should a Good System Handle?
While the headline may be dispatched, the supporting cast is just as important.
- Pricing. Check for price bands that can be edited, map-based zones with a price and peak hours calendar.
- Driver records. Documents, vehicles, all weekly invoices and ledgers are associated with each driver.
- Branches and staff. Company and branch admin roles, with custom permissions.
- Partner work. Special pricing, commissions and supplier/affiliate ledgers.
- Support. Context never gets lost with tickets associated with the actual ride.
Signs You've Outgrown Phone Calls and Spreadsheets
Perhaps you're not certain that it is the right time. Let's take a quick "gut check"! You've overbooked a driver or even worse, you didn't book a driver at all. Half of your driver's shift is spent calling drivers for location updates. Each week, driver payout is scheduled for the afternoon and is still met with an argument. The price of an item varies from one store to another. It's impossible to say how many bookings came in from the app, compared with the phone.
Two or three of these? Yes, probably it's time.
What Taxi Dispatch Software is for?
Independent taxi/private-hire companies, airport transfer services, chauffeur/executive travel providers and multi-branch providers & agents requiring central visibility and controlled access for each location. It's applicable to small fleets starting out and to a larger fleet that has multiple sites. The fit isn't an issue of size, it's an issue of work flow.
Where CabTaxi Fits
CabTaxi is cloud-based dispatch, booking and fleet software for taxi, private-hire, airport-transfer and chauffeur operators. You get a branded white-label taxi app for passengers, a driver app, and a web dashboard where your team handles bookings, pricing, drivers and reporting. We're a software provider, not a transport company, and we're working with our first group of UK operators right now. So expect hands-on onboarding and direct access to the team.
See Taxi Dispatch Software Running Your Own Bookings
A demo works best when it uses your real workflow. Show us how bookings reach your business today and how you assign drivers, and we'll walk through the same job in CabTaxi in about 20 to 30 minutes. If it fits, the next step is a setup plan. Never a forced commitment.
Book your live CabTaxi demo today and see taxi dispatch software built around your business.
FAQS
What is Taxi Dispatch Software?
This is the booking system, which is used to make bookings, assign drivers and monitor trips. Many platforms also link driver apps, pricing, payments and reporting with passenger apps.
Are my Taxi Dispatchers being replaced by taxi dispatch software?
No, automatic assignment does the routine work but when a job requires human judgement, a dispatcher can still come on the scene and do manual assignment.
Is it able to accept pre-bookings?
CabTaxi allows for scheduling appointments ahead of time and in advance, and they will be available for dispatch planning.
Is CabTaxi a taxi company or not?
No. CabTaxi offers software for cab operators. It doesn't operate vehicles.
What is the price of CabTaxi?
The basic monthly charge for the platform is £100 and it costs £3.50 per active driver each week. Check the prices before signing a contract.
May I transfer to my existing system?
Yes, after a process and data transfer evaluation. What transfers will depend on what your existing system will export.
