TaxiRoute is a UK-based and is basically a route calculator for taxi fare estimation. It includes tariff details and other charges from local authorities in the UK as well as the standard rate for taxi service. It calculates the best route (shortest and/or cheapest) and gives travel time as well as the estimated fare.
It’s free to use and very quick. Feedback seems to say it’s accurate as well. TaxiRoute started in 2007 and has since seen some major upgrades throughout to increase speed, accuracy, and so forth. Which taxi companies are operating in the area you’re inquiring about are also listed.
TaxiRoute earns income from donations and advertising sponsorships. A proprietary version for taxi companies to use on their site (sans other company’s info) is also in the works.
The site’s creator, Trev, began the site when he wondered why his fare to go from one point to the next and back again would be different each time. Building the system, he realized it was a matter of routing and what the cab driver knew of local authorities’ tariffs.
Trev also says that now smaller cab companies are using the site as a fare quotation system, which inspired the proprietary licensing plan.
TaxiRoute.co.uk emerged from alpha testing in 2008 and has been getting extremely popular in the UK, especially the London area. No account is needed to check fares and tariffs, but having one allows you to save searches for later reference.
A pretty cool idea and one that might catch on if expanded to other areas. Curious to see who will be first to come to market in the United States.
