Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Dublin Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh with representatives of Xpert Taxis, National Radio Cabs and VIP Taxis at the Mansion House Lensmen Photographic Agency, Lensmen Photographic Agency

Dublin's biggest taxi companies are joining forces against apps like Uber and Hailo

The eCab app is being launched today.

THREE OF DUBLIN’S largest taxi firms have come together to launch a new app that allows users to order, track and pay for their taxis through their phones.

The eCab app – a collaboration between Xpert Taxis, National Radio Cabs and VIP Taxis – is being launched today with the aim of providing a “more professional and higher quality taxi service” than existing competitors.

The partnership will see a fleet of close to 2,000 cars being readily available to collect and drop customers in the greater Dublin area.

All drivers signed up to the service will be garda vetted, uniformed and trained by the participating taxi companies.

Dublin Lord Mayor Críona Ní Dhálaigh welcomed the initiative ahead of its launch, saying the companies involved are “setting the standards for the Irish taxi market” by providing a service that will “enhance public safety”.

The eCab app –  which charges participating companies a small commission - is already available in five other countries, including France and Canada.

But unlike many of its competitors, it only works with drivers from fully licensed taxi companies, something those behind the Dublin partnership say will provide customers with a better quality experience than other services.

Dubliners who download the app from today will get €10 off their first taxi ride – and plans are already in place to expand the service’s remit to other parts of the country over the coming months.

Read: Are taxi drivers at greater risk of being robbed? We asked some to find out

Read: Driverless taxis could be less than 15 years away

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Author
Catherine Healy
View 43 comments
Close
43 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds