Tap for a Taxi in Dubai
With the launch of RTAs newest Smart Taxi app, you can now book a taxi in Dubai with the touch of a button. And it’s such fun!
Available on both Android and iOS (Emirati store only) the app is a refreshing change from calling the RTA number and talking to a customer service operator and trying to explain to them where you are – especially if your current address is a vague back street in Al Quoz, or something of that sort.
With a one-time sign-up, the app detects your location, closely enough and you can book a cab with a single touch. Plus, you’ve got the choice to move around the pointer in case it’s not completely accurate.
Once you’ve made the booking, the system sends a SMS back to you confirming the booking. You also receive details like the name and phone number of the taxi driver.
And what’s even cooler, the application allows you to monitor the booking, track the movement of taxi and, when travelling look for the shortest route as well as estimate the route fare.
What’s more, once you’ve reached your destination, you’re urged to respond to a quick survey – just rate the experience, which is a brilliant way to get feedback about the quality of service, something which we felt was missing in the public transport system.
Plus, since you’ve got a single sign-in into the app, you can check all your history to see all the journeys you’ve made using RTA taxicabs.
In terms of usage and convenience, this app is top notch. Getting taxis in Dubai has been an issue, especially if you’re in a somewhat remote location, plus you never have any visibility on how far a taxi is from you – this sorts that out.
The layout of the app is a bit clunky, but we’re going to let that pass since it’s still in version 1.1.6 at the time of writing. Also, it’s pushed as a “Shake your phone to book a taxi in Dubai” app, and, yes, that does work, but only once you open up the app, by which time it’s easier for you to just tap “Book Now” rather than shake your phone!
If you’re in Dubai, get downloading and get using – highly recommended for all.
