Uber – How does the taxi booking app work?

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Mobile tech and the world of smartphones have taken the world by storm. Suddenly, we have an app for every job that can possibly be thought of, all the way from Uber to the “simpler” Yo. And, by chance, if an app still isn’t in the market, believe us, it’ll soon be there! With Uber clones already making it big in all target markets and even upcoming ones, all competitors, local or global, have to turn to a digital extension to remain competitive. This article speaks about how taxi booking happens via mobile apps.

Uber-like apps are the keyword today, with one in three clients asking us for an Uber-like app for services ranging from the good old taxis to yoga instructors and doctors! Getting into this competition isn’t difficult and, if you have the right edge, you have what it takes to be the next Uber. And we can always provide you with what’s essential, tech support!

TAXI BOOKING APP AS AN EXTENSION FOR A TAXI BUSINESS

There are several cases with cab booking apps. One suits established taxi businesses that provide their own cars together with drivers to the streets in a certain area. The other is for entrepreneurs who want to start afresh and change how the game is played. Both require the very same thing.

Roadyo! iOS and Android app that we have developed is exactly what I am talking about. The destination type a user can choose includes not only typed-in by the user addresses but also the list of the airports predetermined on the server and pushed on the screen of a mobile device. You can select a car of the kind you like in your taxi mobile app. The app then notifies free taxis in the vicinity and as soon as your request is accepted, you can track your taxi live as it makes its way to you. When the (joy)ride is over, the fare is paid automatically using your card details, tip included as per your wish. You can also rate your taxi driver and if you didn’t quite like him, you won’t get that taxi the next time you travel.

MAPS AND LOCATION IMPLEMENTATION

Such kind of a booking app needs a server to handle multiple user requests and make sure that the taxi location is frequently updated and the user knows where the taxi is. We developed both parts — the server and the client app.

Pubnub is the software we used to integrate the map and location tracking system into the application. The map contains a flattened representation of the location. Coordinates specified by the user get transmitted to the server. All taxis which are free and within a specified distance get a push notification from the server specifying the location where the user has to travel to and a set timer to accept or reject the booking. If accepted, the user is notified and shown the taxi location, and similarly for the driver.

The fare of the taxi ride, unlike general city cabs, is not calculated with any sort of taxi fare meters. GPS technology is simply put into use with the app taking everything into consideration, distance covered, price list, waiting time, etc.
The app submits an estimated ride fare to the user before the cab arrives so they have a fair idea of the amount involved.

PAYMENT SYSTEM INTEGRATION

Seamless integration of the app to the payment portal is what will seal the deal for almost every user. Hence, it is essential that that a good and hassle-free payment system is used in the app.

In Roadyo, we have used Stripe, an easy-to-use and extremely secure SDK for native payments. Alongside, this also ensures that all card details are to be entered only once and stored securely. Sensitive card data security is accomplished by converting the information on the card to tokens on their Stripe servers. All data is encrypted by the library on the device before being sent to the server, which makes all transactions faster and more secure!

We are currently working on integration with Paypal which should be complete real quick.

TAXI BOOKING APP AS AN INDEPENDENT BOOKING SERVICE

This on-demand booking solution involves building relationships with a server. You may have to establish partnerships with taxi companies or individuals which will require building two versions of the app — Passenger and Driver.
Luckily for you, we have that covered.

With the help of GPS, a server identifies the current location of the user in need of a taxi ride and finds the closest to that area driver who gets notified about an available client. For both customer and driver, push notifications that inform of the relevant taxi-related information have to be sent out. After that, everything a driver has to do is click the button on his mobile device and start the car.

These types of booking apps can contain a possibility to rate the drivers/ service providers. This will add to customer experience improvement and your app’s quality rank.

UBER ANALOGUES IN THE FIELD OF APP DEVELOPMENT

If there’s a brilliant idea in the market, can clones be far behind? Like we have already mentioned, an app of this genre can be extensively used for on-demand bookings of almost anything in the world. In the taxi world, apps like Lyft and HailO have already launched their own taxi services, on the lines of Uber. In other services, Postmates is the food delivery clone of Uber. Washio is the laundry equivalent and the number of such apps will only keep on growing.

Enquire with us if you have any questions as to how we can enable the entrepreneur within you with our apps.

Must Read | Build An Uber-Like App with these technologies

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Disclaimer: The Blog has been created with consideration and care. We strive to ensure that all information is as complete, correct, comprehensible, accurate and up-to-date as possible. Despite our continuing efforts, we cannot guarantee that the information made available is complete, correct, accurate or up-to-date.

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