Gett vs. Uber vs. mytaxi: Your Ultimate UK Ride Guide

Having been a staunch advocate for Uber and having largely stepped away from the traditional London taxi scene, the intriguing offer of a £50 joining credit for Gett taxi piqued my interest. A friend's recommendation was all it took for me to decide to give it a whirl. This comprehensive review delves into the mechanics of Gett taxi, explains how to claim that generous £50 credit, and critically compares its service with the established giants, Uber and mytaxi. Join me as we navigate the nuances of these popular ride-hailing apps, uncovering their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, which one might best suit your travel needs across the UK.

Understanding Gett: A Deep Dive into the App's Functionality

Gett positions itself as a direct competitor to Uber, operating through a user-friendly app available on both Android and iPhone devices. While its presence isn't as ubiquitous as Uber's, Gett boasts significant coverage across several key UK cities, including Birmingham, Coventry, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, and Newcastle. Beyond the UK, it also extends its service to New York, Russia, and Israel.

How Gett Works in Practice (London Focus)

For the purpose of this review, we'll concentrate on Gett's operation within London, where its features are most distinct. The app's interface and functionality bear a striking resemblance to Uber. However, a key differentiator lies in the payment options: you can choose to either pay the driver directly or settle the fare conveniently through the app. Opting for in-app payment is straightforward; you simply link your credit card details and can even select a tip percentage, with the flexibility to set it at 0% if you prefer.

One of Gett's most compelling advantages over Uber is the choice between a fixed fare option or paying the traditional meter fare. My experience over approximately eight journeys consistently showed that the fixed price was almost always more favourable, with the meter fare only once coming in lower. This contrasts with Uber, which provides an estimated fare range but ultimately charges whatever the final meter comes to, which can sometimes exceed initial expectations.

The process of ordering a taxi via Gett is remarkably simple. The app typically auto-detects your current location, though you retain the ability to manually adjust it if needed. After inputting your destination, you can select your preferred taxi type – either a standard vehicle or an XL, which accommodates up to six passengers. A significant convenience offered by Gett is the ability to either order a taxi for immediate dispatch or pre-book one for a later time, providing excellent flexibility for planned journeys. You can also view a live map displaying the locations of available Gett drivers, and once you request a taxi, you receive the vehicle's registration number in advance, allowing you to track its approach in real-time – features that mirror Uber's transparency.

In terms of response times, Gett frequently impressed. My wait times rarely exceeded 2-3 minutes, and on several occasions, a taxi was already in a nearby rank, responding almost instantly. Crucially, all Gett drivers are licensed black cabs drivers, offering a layer of assurance and professionalism that distinguishes them from Uber's private hire drivers.

Beyond the Ride: Additional Gett Features

Gett isn't just about getting from A to B. In London, they provide XL taxis, perfect for larger groups of up to six people. The app also facilitates fare splitting among passengers, a convenient feature for shared journeys. Furthermore, Gett offers a delivery and courier service within London, extending its utility beyond personal transport.

Similar to Uber, Gett incorporates a rating system where you can rate your driver, and in turn, they rate you. This is a welcome addition, particularly for those who, like me, may have previously encountered less-than-pleasant experiences with traditional taxis. The ability to provide feedback, without the hassle of formal complaints, contributes to a more accountable and pleasant service environment.

Introducing mytaxi: The Evolution of Hailo

You might recognise mytaxi by its former name, Hailo. This app operates on a similar premise to Gett, exclusively utilising licensed black taxis in London. However, a key difference from Gett is mytaxi's lack of fixed fares; all journeys are charged by the meter, though the app does provide an estimated fare range.

Exploring mytaxi's Unique Offerings

Available on both iOS and Android in the UK, mytaxi offers a familiar experience of tracking your cab's progress on a live map and viewing its registration details. You also have the option to call your driver directly. A thoughtful feature is the complimentary 2.5-minute waiting time provided by mytaxi drivers.

mytaxi distinguishes itself with several innovative features designed to enhance the passenger experience:

• Favourite Driver: At the end of a journey, you can mark a driver as a 'favourite'. This increases the likelihood of them being assigned to your future bookings, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust.
• Share Location: For added peace of mind, you can share your journey details, including your real-time location and estimated time of arrival (ETA), with friends and family.
• Prebook: mytaxi allows you to pre-book a trip with as little as 15 minutes' notice, offering more spontaneity than some other pre-booking services.
• Pay with mytaxi: This feature is particularly convenient. If you spot any black cab displaying the mytaxi logo, you can simply hop in and use the app to pay for your ride, even if you didn't book through the app initially.
• Preferences: The app allows you to specify preferences such as a multi-seat taxi, a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, or even add a direct message for your driver, ensuring your specific needs are met.

My personal experience with mytaxi in recent months has generally been more positive than with Gett, primarily due to the consistent availability during busy periods – a challenge I sometimes encountered with Gett. While mytaxi doesn't offer fixed fares, the estimates provided are reliable, and I found the drivers to be consistently pleasant and professional. Another significant advantage of mytaxi, beyond its array of features, is the longevity of its vouchers. Unlike Gett's offers, which typically expire within a couple of weeks, mytaxi's signup credit often lasts for three months, making it a far more appealing option for occasional London taxi users.

Uber: The Global Ride-Hailing Phenomenon

Uber operates on a widely recognised model, connecting passengers with private hire drivers through its intuitive mobile application. When you request a ride, Uber typically estimates driver arrival times between 4-8 minutes. Once a driver accepts your request, you receive comprehensive details including the car model, registration number, and a picture and name of your driver, all of which contribute to a sense of security. The live map feature allows you to track your driver's exact location as they approach, ensuring you get into the correct vehicle. Many Uber cars also display a subtle Uber logo for easy identification.

Uber's Diverse Fleet and Payment Structure

For those who appreciate travelling in comfort or style, Uber offers a range of luxury vehicles under names like Uber Exec, Uber Black, Uber Lux, and Uber Select, depending on the geographical location. These premium options naturally come at a slightly higher cost than the standard Uber X service.

Payment with Uber is exclusively processed through the app via your linked credit card. While you only receive an estimated fare prior to your trip, my experience has consistently shown that the final cost rarely deviates substantially from this estimate. In London, typical wait times for an Uber X are generally around 4-6 minutes. Like Gett, Uber also provides a convenient fare-splitting option within the app.

One of Uber's most significant strengths is its extensive global coverage, operating in over 450 cities worldwide. This makes it an invaluable app for international travellers, offering a familiar and reliable transport solution wherever you go. However, Uber's dynamic pricing model, known as surge pricing, can be a point of contention. While surge pricing incentivises more drivers to operate during periods of high demand (e.g., tube strikes, bad weather), leading to better availability, it also means fares can significantly increase during these times.

Gett vs. mytaxi vs. Uber: A Comparative Analysis

In London, the choice between mytaxi, Gett, and Uber often comes down to specific preferences and priorities. Each service offers distinct advantages:

Key Feature Comparison Table

Choosing the Best Service for Your Needs

If luxury and a chauffeured experience are your priority, Uber Exec undoubtedly stands out, offering premium cars and suited drivers at a reasonable price. However, if your primary goal is simply to get from A to B efficiently, Gett offers the significant advantage of fixed fare option and often very quick response times, with the added benefit of knowing you're getting a licensed black cab. Uber X cars, while generally reliable, can be quite variable in type and quality, though a Toyota Prius is a common sight.

The absence of surge pricing on Gett is a double-edged sword. While it means you won't face inflated fares during peak times, it also creates a disincentive for Gett drivers to use the app when demand is high. They can often earn more by simply picking up passengers off the street. This can lead to reduced availability of Gett taxis during busy periods, a problem I haven't encountered to the same extent with mytaxi. Consequently, I find myself leaning towards mytaxi for most of my journeys, reserving Gett for off-peak times when I can benefit from potentially cheaper fixed fares.

Outside of London, Uber remains my go-to choice due to its unparalleled global coverage. Its widespread availability makes it an indispensable tool for travel, offering a consistent and familiar service in countless cities around the world.

Maximising Your Savings: Gett's £50 Offer and Beyond

The £50 credit offered by Gett to new users is certainly an attractive proposition. This credit is typically distributed as £5 per ride for your first ten journeys. However, it's crucial to note the typical expiry period, which is often as short as two weeks. This means you need to be a relatively frequent user to fully utilise the credit before it expires.

In contrast, mytaxi's signup credits, while sometimes lower in value (e.g., £10 credit or past 50% discounts), often come with a much more generous voucher validity period, such as three months. This makes mytaxi's offers more appealing for occasional taxi users who might not rack up ten rides within a fortnight. Therefore, when considering sign-up bonuses, weigh the total value against the practical expiry period based on your anticipated usage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gett, mytaxi, and Uber

Is Gett available outside London?

Yes, Gett is available in several other UK cities, including Birmingham, Coventry, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle, as well as internationally in New York, Russia, and Israel.

Are Gett drivers licensed?

Absolutely. All Gett drivers are licensed black taxi drivers, ensuring a high standard of professionalism and safety.

Can I pre-book a taxi with Gett?

Yes, Gett allows you to either order a taxi instantly or pre-book one for a later time, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What is the main difference between Gett and mytaxi?

The primary difference is that Gett offers a fixed fare option in London, whereas mytaxi operates on meter fares only (though it provides estimates). Both use licensed black cabs. mytaxi also has longer voucher validity periods and a few unique features like 'Favourite Driver'.

Why would I choose Gett over Uber?

You might choose Gett for its fixed fare option, quicker response times in non-peak periods, and the assurance of riding with a licensed black cab driver. Unlike Uber, Gett does not implement surge pricing, meaning your fare won't suddenly inflate during busy times, though this can impact availability.

How long do Gett joining vouchers typically last?

Gett joining vouchers, such as the £50 credit, typically have a relatively short expiry period, often around two weeks. It's important to check the specific terms and conditions of any offer you receive.

Does mytaxi offer fixed fares?

No, mytaxi does not offer fixed fares. Journeys are charged by the meter, but the app does provide an estimated fare range before you confirm your booking.

Is Uber cheaper than Gett or mytaxi?

Uber's pricing can be variable due to surge pricing. During off-peak times, Uber X can be very competitive. Gett's fixed fare option can sometimes be cheaper than meter fares, especially if traffic is bad. mytaxi operates on meter fares. The "cheapest" option often depends on the time of day, demand, and specific journey.

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