October 7, 2024 by Namalee Siriwardhane with 0 comments
PickMe
Rs.45/km – can make mini stops – less expensive – offers a variety of vehicles-cash or card-not available from 1 am – 5.30 am
Uber
Rs.58.50/ km – on time – security – comfort – offers a variety of vehicles-cash or card – available 24 hours
Kangaroo
Rs.158/km-experienced drivers, safety, availability, super comfort and reasonable price, runs on metre
Tuk
A metered tuktuk costs about Rs.100 per km – 24 hours
In the world of taxis, the top two options available are Uber and PickMe. Both basically offer the same options. PickMe passengers can make mini stops instead of having to go from A to B as with Uber, usually for no extra charge. Uber tends to be more accurate and is generally on time. For some reason, the PickMe pick up map tends to be off or maybe drivers don’t turn on their GPS.
PickMe’s charges tend to be around Rs. 45/km, whereas, Uber costs around Rs. 58.50/ km. There are other options like Kangaroo Cabs. They costs Rs.158/km.
Uber has the reputation of timeliness, security, comfort and safety. Whereas, PickMe, though just as safe, has the reputation of being less expensive, friendly and available, especially during rush hour. Uber tends to cost a little more than a PickMe ride. During rush hour as well as on rainy days both increase their prices.
Depending on one’s budget, it’s possible to get a motorbike, a tuktuk, a small car, a sedan or even a van from either company. One can also order food or packages to be delivered. There are preordering possibilities as in to catch an early flight or train. There is the possibility of cash or credit card when paying one’s driver. Most drivers prefer driving for cash as credit card payments go directly to the company.
The passenger should always check their phones for the final cost of the ride as it may differ from the one given by the driver. One other thing that customers could do to improve services is to rate the driver. This action of paying it forward helps the next customer and the company to improve their services and eventually the benefit returns on one’s next ride.
When compared to ‘norrnal’ tuktuk rides, one can save as much as half the amount by opting for Uber or PickMe, especially unmetered tuktuks. Usually a metered tuktuk costs Rs.100 per km whereas Uber and PickMe cost considerably less as mentioned above. PickMe stops around 1am and starts again around 5:30am/6am. Uber is available 24 hours. Kangaroo Cabs’ strengths are experienced drivers, mega safety, availability, super comfort and reasonable prices; and as they’re running on a meter, one can stop anywhere for as long as one wishes to, along one’s ride from A to B.
One other positive when taking an Uber or a PickMe is that one can see the route being taken on one’s smartphone, whereas by taking a normal cab or a regular tuktuk, unless the customer knows the route to be taken, it is easy to be deceived into literally and figuratively ‘being taken for a ride.’
(Approx prices at the time of writing)
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