How to Start a Taxi Business in 2024 in the UK?

By RisingMax

May 09, 2024

How to Start a Taxi Business in 2024 in the UK?

Launching a taxi business isn't rocket science, but diligence in efforts is required to outshine competitors. Be unique if you are here to try your hand at starting a taxi business in UK. There are a lot of opportunities for taxi business in the cities of London, Essex, Manchester, Edinburgh and many more.

The blog post will help you learn how to start a taxi business in the UK. We support startups and entrepreneurs to achieve their goals, and thus, we have formed a body to advise them on starting or scaling up their businesses. If you are eagerly waiting to see your taxi booking application on the App Store or Play Store, connect with the right team. 

What is New With The Taxi Industry Market?

  • From 2018 to 2023, the global market for online taxi services is expected to reach $38.54 billion, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.7%.
  • The market for online taxi services is expected to be worth $56.37 billion by 2027, which is a 10% CAGR.
  • The taxi app market is expected to be worth $283 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2023 to 2028.
  • About 150 million of the world's 300 million taxi app users are on DiDi and Uber.

Think. Launch. Grow.

At the end of the article, there are three valuable free gifts waiting for you as a token of appreciation. As we always support startups and entrepreneurs. RisingMax has FORMED A BODY of Business Advisors to support startups like you from beginning to success. Whether you’re starting out, or scaling to meet demand, connect with the right people, products, and best practices to help your startup grow. Connect Us Now!


Why Taxi Business?

Just like any other industry that has been touched by the Internet and technology, the taxi industry is striving to better its services and address its pain points.

Knowing all this, you must also acknowledge that not every taxi business achieves its goal. Before you invest your time and resources, you must test your idea’s soundness. Here are a few questions that you need to ask yourself to test the feasibility of your business idea.

  1. Does your service provide anything unique that your competitors are not offering to the customers?
  2. Is your product sufficient enough to serve a market where demand exceeds supply?
  3. Is your product competitive in terms of quality or price?

You must know the market before you plan to enter the taxi business. Take time to understand the market trends and gather more information on how the taxi industry operates. This will help you better introduce your business to the customers. 


How To Know Starting A Taxi Business Will Be The Right Choice?

The transport industry has got the potential to allow taxi businesses to flourish and make profits. It is all about how you place your resources and use them for your taxi business. 

This is an ever-growing market since the price of the fuel and mode of public transportation fail to satisfy the public. You may find the market to be overcrowded, but the reality is that the industry has scope for new entrants. You must have acknowledged that starting a taxi business in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is much easy with the best taxi dispatch software development company.

Today, the largest number of taxis is over 450,000 in Europe, over 300,000 in the United States, and over 500,000 in China. The industry, which has existed for over 100 years, is in the midst of a transformation like never before.

Also Read: Taxi Dispatch Software Development Companies In California

What You Need to Know Initially Before Starting A Taxi Business in UK

If you're still reading the article, you have the qualities of a good taxi company owner. It's time to start thinking about the nuts and bolts of getting your business off the ground. The first order of business is to choose a city in the UK to base your operations. Second, you should consider which business legal structure makes the most sense for your business, whether it is a limited company, limited liability partnership, partnership, or sole proprietorship.

Remember that if you select a business structure other than a sole proprietorship, you must share the profits with other owners. However, if you do not establish a limited liability company, you will personally assume responsibility for the company's debts. Third, you should choose a company name not used by another business.

Questions You Need to Answer Before Diving Deep Into Starting Taxi Business

  1. What are the restrictions, monopolies, or shortages that can affect your taxi business?
  2. What are the capital requirements to run your taxi business smoothly? 
  3. How difficult will it be to obtain financial resources?
  4. What are the features that set your business apart from others?

Well! We know the questions must have left you wondering, but a Whitelabel taxi app solution can solve the issues. RisingMax can help you start your taxi business with its Uber like app solution. 

To improve the future of mobility, we, the leading automobile software development company, integrate our cutting-edge ideas with the most cutting-edge advanced technologies.

Revenue Generation Model Of Taxi Business

There may be multiple reasons to delay launching your taxi booking application, but one reason can overpower them all and that is revenue generation.

This industry has a wide variation in revenue models, and there is also a wide range of capital expenditures that one should consider at the outset. So, let's examine the lucrative business models of the taxi industry.

1. Revenue from Individuals

Users of a taxi booking app can arrange transportation for themselves or a small group in this setup. A single passenger booking a vehicle has a base commission of 20% instead of 10%, and a group of five or more passengers has a base commission of 25%.

2. Revenue from Services

Customers reserve cabs via mobile applications in this taxi service business plan. This service is ideal for businesspeople. In this case, the commission rates are up to 25%.

3. Revenue from Corporate Booking

With this service, the company will send a car and driver specifically for the client to take them to the airport or train station. These apps also enable users to book rides in advance. The commission is typically a set percentage, ranging from 25% to 35% of the total fare.

4. Commission from Credit Card Payments

Customers can pay for rides with credit or debit cards using this service, which is convenient since most people nowadays use these methods of payment. The service provider receives a predetermined commission for each user payment. Competing models have a higher range of 15-20%.

5. Commission for Outstation Bookings

Taxi-hailing app users who travel long distances or to destinations outside their home cities pay more than the standard fare. The service provider charges a higher commission rate (typically 30 percent) and earns more money from these long-distance trips.

6. Commission for Rentals & Leasing

In this model, the service provider will receive a commission of 10% of the total cost.

7. Dynamic Pricing Model

The dynamic pricing model doesn't consider the number of people in a group. Using an app to reserve a cab usually results in more efficient management of cab fleets, leading to cheaper fares.

8. Pay Per Hour Model

The pay-by-the-hour model restricts the total rental time of a vehicle. This arrangement will benefit people who only need cars for themselves the most. In this case, the total fare won't exceed 20% commission.

9. Ride Sharing

Taxi drivers find ridesharing an additional revenue stream, but it is only sometimes a viable option in all situations. If, for example, you can't split the fare with enough customers during peak hours, you won't earn very much money. The commission rate may range from 20% to 25% in this scenario.

10. Ride-Hailing

Uber and Lyft use this revenue generation model for their businesses. Drivers affiliated with the company take orders through a mobile app. The commission here will be 25%-35%, depending on the size of your purchase.

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What Does It Take To Start A Taxi Business?

You have reached a point where you have obtained answers to the most crucial questions that will affect your entrepreneurial success. The next step is to start with the process to start a taxi business. Here are the things you need to do.

  1. Choose a business name
  2. Choose the legal structure among the options of sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation
  3. Choose the business location

The taxi industry has witnessed numerous businesses failing, owing to multiple reasons. The primary reasons that lead to business failures are a shortage of money while you are starting your venture and running it smoothly.

In simpler words, lack of financial resources makes businesses give up at later stages. There are expenses that you need to incur to run the business smoothly. 

How To Start A Taxi Business in UK?

If you've set your mind on running a successful taxi business, you won't have to go through nearly as much trouble once it's up and running. You could turn your taxi business into an app to make day-to-day tasks easier to manage. Simply, hire a group of highly skilled drivers to ensure that your business runs smoothly and efficiently. 

Know-How to Start a Taxi Business? You're well on your way to making a lot of money. If everything goes smoothly and effectively, your business returns are likely to double in a shorter period of time.

NOTE:Try to handle everything on your own behalf; the profits will solely belong to you. 

In recent years, the global industry for Taxi Dispatch Software has grown significantly. You must understand the taxi industry and its possibilities, just as you must understand other businesses. Have a clear understanding of how to start a successful taxi business. Address the problems you need to solve as well as any challenges that may arise. 

Know The Current Market

It will also give you an idea of the type and size of business you could start. Plus, you should know the market. Competitors determine the taxi industry's demand in the area where you intend to operate. You should prefer to start or run your business in the designated areas. Existing businesses can help you make a more informed decision. This will give you all of the necessary information. 

Choose A Business Plan

It's critical to create a taxi business plan if you want to learn how to start an online cab business. We have discussed revenue model or business model earlier in this article. Check for specific details such as the region in which you want to run your business, the number of vehicles you'll need to purchase, the types of drivers you'll need to hire, and so on. 

Know The Legal System

Once you've decided on how to run a successful taxi business, the next step is to complete a few taxi business requirements, such as legal and insurance procedures. Licenses to operate a taxi service are a must-have that you should not overlook. You will avoid unnecessary fines if you complete all of your paperwork on time. 

Obtain Licenses & Permits

You must register your taxi business with all the necessary authorities. You will receive an employer ID number, as well as important licenses and permits, once your business has been successfully registered.

Register Your Vehicles

All necessary documents and permits for commercial use must be registered with the taxis. It's crucial because vehicles are frequently checked during operations in different parts of the world. 

Obtain License For Taxi Drivers

One must apply for a taxi operator's license. Operators with a license can also provide cab services on the street. If a driver operates a vehicle without a license, the chances of getting into legal trouble are higher. and obtaining a license, taxi business insurance should be considered. It's a legal requirement that can't be overlooked when starting a taxi business. It's something that ensures your company is safe in all aspects and at all times. 

It is not as simple as it appears to start a taxi business. Before offering the services, one must ensure that all legal requirements have been met. In addition, everything is required for taxi operations, from the preparation of vehicles to the acquisition of office space to the availability of 24/7 support services. 

Develop App For Your Taxi Business

It is highly recommended for all taxi startups to set up a highly functional taxi app that can connect riders with taxi drivers at the appropriate time. 

A customer app, a driver app, and a central dispatch system make up the app. Customers can use the app to book a taxi quickly, and drivers can use it to make better decisions. A central dispatch system in taxi dispatch software, on the other hand, can also monitor customers and drivers from a single panel. The app must include all of the features necessary to meet all of the company's requirements.

Without a doubt, a larger taxi company will require more capital than a smaller one. Before making any investment to start a taxi business, it's critical to understand the market so you can save money and time. 

Features To Include In Your Taxi App

Launching a taxi service via a mobile application is a viable option. To obtain the vast majority of taxi apps, however, additional effort is required. Confused? Well, innovative features makes an app the best amongst the available on the market.

  • User dashboard
  • Driver dashboard
  • Reviews and feedback
  • Complaint section
  • Chatbots for easy communication
  • Multiple payment gateways
  • Route optimization
  • Fare calculator
  • Ride booking feature
  • Offers and discounts
  • Loyalty programs
  • Manage and view profile
  • Push notifications
  • Multi-language support
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Ride Cancellation Feature
Ready to be Your Own Boss? launch your Taxi Business in the UK with us & give your business a competitive edge in this lucrative industry.

How Much Does It Cost To Start A Taxi Business UK

The cost can depend on many factors like the equipment and supplies you need, business formation fees, app or software development cost and more. At starting you can start your business with less equipments and supplies and can expand as your business grows. If you want a rough estimate for the cost to start your Taxi business in UK, we can say it may cost you around £7,000 and £60,000.

The cost to start a taxi business is divided into the following factors. Read on to know in detail:

Equipment & Supply Expenses

You need to purchase equipment to run your taxi business smoothly. Business owners can make adjustments in the costs and purchase only the required supplies.

Business Formation Fees 

Few costs are associated with forming your business entity. The costs include business setup expenses, insurance costs, permit & license fees, and other relevant legal fees. 

Software Expenses

Investing money in getting software developed to manage your taxi business can help you save time and automate certain parts of the business. You can also calculate the cost of taxi app development with our app cost calculator.

Calculating the costs of web application development might be difficult at times. We've also written an article about calculating web app development costs. To save thousands on development costs, you must go through this approach.

Office Space Expenses

It depends on you whether or not you require office space. However, it may become a necessity as your taxi business grows.

Vehicle Expenses

You need to purchase vehicles to operate your business so that you can serve customers across the target area.

Advertising & Marketing Expenses

To advertise and market your taxi business, you need to spend money and make it reach customers.

Once you are done with knowing the expenses you need to incur to run your taxi business, the next phase must revolve around revenue generation. Additionally, you will also need to have a fixed amount in reserve to cover up the expenses in the first three or six months. 

IT’S TIME TO REVEAL THE OFFERS THAT WE MENTIONED IN THE BEGINNING!

  • Get one extensive business plan template created by our industry experts.
  • Get up to 60% discount on Whitelabel Taxi Booking Software.
  • 1 Year Free Support and Maintenance.

Isn’t it amazing?

In a world that is flooded with companies that can develop taxi booking applications, we are the ones that are providing app development services loaded with offers.

Why RisingMax?

We've established ourselves as one of the most reliable cab booking app solution providers. Our team of mobile app developers has created the finest clones of Uber, Ola, Lyft, Careen, and other popular apps.

We make the most out of the knowledge and expertise that we have gained and have developed over 100 taxi booking applications like Taxi Dispatch SoftwareUber-Like App SolutionsLyft CloneOla CloneCareem Clone, etc.

Connect with our experts and get a free consultation for your business. Don't worry your business idea is safe with us.

FAQ's

What are the key strategies adopted by the top players to increase their revenue in the taxi industry?

Collaboration, product launch, agreement, and partnership are some of the primary growth methods used by taxi industry stakeholders. The taxi services market, as well as the players, are growing as a result of the strategies used by various industry participants.

In the taxi industry, which segment is the most influential?

By vehicle type, the motorbike category is expected to gain traction and capture market share in the global taxi industry over the projection period.

Bottom Line:

A good taxi booking app development company can help you incorporate the most essential features into the application that can propel your business. 

Get in touch with RisingMax and rise above your competitors. Our experts are ready to assist you with the process from scratch. We are just a call away!

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