Welcome to the exciting world of student life! You’re about to embark on a journey filled with knowledge, adventure, and late-night study sessions. If you’re studying away from home or even if you’re just new to a bustling city, one thing you’ll likely need to master is ordering a local taxi. At SafeKab we’ve got your back with some invaluable Taxi Tips for Students!
Making Friends with Taxis: The Basics
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of conquering taxi rides like a champ, let’s start with the fundamentals.
Hailing a Taxi with Finesse
Picture this: You’re standing on a busy street corner, desperately trying to flag down a taxi. You wave your hand frantically, but they all seem to pass you by. What’s the secret to getting a taxi to stop? Well, seeing as we’re not in 90s New York, the secret is in your phone!
Taxi apps like SafeKab allow you to order a local taxi immediately to where you’re standing! Just confirm where you are and where you’re going and you’ll get a fixed fare offer from a SafeKab driver. Choose your fare and cab and you’re on your way! You won’t even need to stand in the Street. Finish Your drink in comfort because the app will tell you when your driver has arrived. You can even pay extra to get priority and jump to the front of the queue!
Knowing When to Pay
Ever wondered if you should pay the driver before or after your ride? It’s a common question, but the answer is simple:
In most taxis you will pay at the end of the journey after you watch the meter tick tick ticking up and up. But with SafeKab, you will now exactly how much the fare will be and it will be automatically taken from you registered card or from your SafeKab wallet. No more need to carry purse or wallet with you anymore!
Mastering Taxi Etiquette
Riding Shotgun or Backseat Bliss?
When you hop into a taxi, you’ll usually find two options: the front seat (shotgun) or the backseat. Which one should you choose?
Backseat for Comfort
In most cases, it’s best to take the backseat. It’s the norm, and it gives you more space to relax and allows the driver space to work.
Shotgun for Interaction
If you’re travelling with a friend or two, the front seat might be a good choice for some lively conversation with the driver. Just remember to ask politely if it’s okay to sit upfront. If you’re travelling with a group, the SafeKab app allows you to choose the size of vehicle you need, so there’s no need to leave a man behind!
Small Talk: Yay or Nay?
As a student, you’re often told to strike up conversations, but what about in a taxi? Here’s the lowdown:
The Friendly Greeting
A simple “Hello, how are you?” or “How’s it going” is always appreciated. It sets a positive tone for the ride.
Assess the Situation
If the driver seems open to chatting, feel free to engage in a friendly conversation. They might have some great local recommendations! Just don’t start the conversation with the cliched “busy tonight?”!
Silence is Golden
On the other hand, if the driver seems focused on the road or uninterested, respect their space and enjoy a peaceful ride. Remember we are all different!
Music and Volume Control
Music lovers, take note! Taxis often have music playing, but what if you want to change the tune or adjust the volume?
Ask Politely
If the music isn’t to your liking or is too loud, it’s perfectly fine to ask the driver if they can adjust it or change the station.
Bring Your Own Beats
Alternatively, consider bringing headphones and your favorite playlist to enjoy your own music without disturbing the driver.
Money Matters: Fare Tips
Understanding the Fare Structure
Ah, the money part – it can be confusing, but we’ve got you covered!
Meter vs. Fixed Fare
Taxis usually run on meters, calculating your fare based on time and distance. However, with SafeKab, fixed fares are our go-to!
Ask for an Estimate
If you’re unsure about the fare, don’t hesitate to ask the driver for an estimate before you start the journey. With SafeKab you’ll already have this info and it won’t be an estimate – but a fixed price. Great for the student on a budget!
Tipping Protocol
Tipping is a grey area for many students. Here’s a simple guideline:
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
- 10-15% of the fare is a customary tip or just rounding up is always appreciated.
Splitting the Bill
Travelling with friends? You can split the fare! Just make sure to discuss it before you reach your destination.
Peak Hour Pricing: Beware!
Some cities implement peak hour pricing, which can significantly increase your fare during rush hours, especially at weekends and holidays. Be aware of this and plan your rides accordingly if you’re on a budget.
Safety First
Checking the Taxi
While most taxi drivers are honest and reliable, it’s essential to take precautions:
Check for Identification
Make sure the taxi has proper identification, including a license and the driver’s name. This is especially crucial if you’re taking an unmarked taxi. In a SafeKab you can be sure that the driver is licensed and trained to the highest degree!
Share Your Ride Details
Let a trusted friend or family member know your whereabouts and the taxi’s details, just in case. The SafeKab app allows you to share your journey with a loved one. These means they can track your journey all the way to your destination.
Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off or unsafe during the ride, don’t hesitate to ask the driver to pull over in a public, well-lit area and exit the vehicle. The SafeKab app also has an SOS button so if you should feel vulnerable or threatened you can press the button and it will alert the SafeKab office and your designated contact.
Join the #SafetyFirst Revolution With SafeKab
The SafeKab app includes fantastic safety features such as:
- The Power to Choose your driver, vehicle, and price you pay for your ride. Giving you full control and transparency over your journey.
- Unique Safety Code for you and your driver so you know you’re in the right vehicle.
- Journey Monitoring so you can see where you are, the road home and share this information with a loved one.
- A Panic Button is embedded in our app so if you feel vulnerable at any time, you can press the button and notify both SafeKab’s local cab office and a loved one.
- SafeKab Credit means that you don’t need to carry money or a card to get your ride home. Money can be deposited in your in-app wallet so there is always cash to get you home after a great night out.
- SafeWalk – a free GPS tracking feature that sends real-time details of your walk home or wherever you’re travelling to a loved one and provides an SOS button should you feel vulnerable on your journey.
Download the SafeKab app now to join the safety revolution
