Are taxis public transport?

Street Cars: Your Manchester Taxi App

15/07/2023

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In the vibrant heart of Manchester, a city renowned for its strong sense of community and cherished local brands, Street Cars has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the transport landscape. Since its inception in 2002, this esteemed taxi firm has been an integral part of Manchester's daily life, preparing to mark two decades of dedicated service. This longevity is no mere coincidence; it's a testament to their deep understanding of the city's needs and their unwavering commitment to its residents. Much like the beloved local corner shops and butchers, Street Cars embodies the spirit of a trusted family business that has weathered the storms and thrived by prioritising what truly matters: the community.

The ubiquity of Street Cars in Manchester is undeniable. With a substantial presence across the region and strategic partnerships with key institutions such as Manchester Airport, The Trafford Centre, Manchester United, Manchester City, major railway stations, the BBC, and a plethora of hospitality venues, their vehicles are a common sight. Boasting a fleet of 900 vehicles currently on the roads, Street Cars is more than just a taxi company; it's a vital component of the city's infrastructure. Their resilience, particularly over the challenging past 14 months, highlights their adaptability and dedication. During the pandemic, when public transport faced significant cutbacks, Street Cars rapidly adapted its services, ensuring COVID safety protocols were paramount. They stepped up to become an essential service, supporting frontline workers by transporting doctors and nurses to and from the Manchester Royal Infirmary, delivering food and drink parcels to keep essential staff fuelled, and providing crucial support to care homes and vulnerable individuals who were unable to shop for themselves.

This commitment to the community was even reflected in a poignant poem published by the company, a moving reflection on Manchester's stillness during lockdown. However, the company's director, Naveed Arshad, attributes their enduring success to a more fundamental factor: professionalism. "All our drivers wear shirts and ties. We use clean, new, corporate cars," he states, underscoring a commitment to a polished and reliable service. Furthermore, safety remains a top priority, with vehicles equipped with protective shields and treated with antibacterial Electroclean (electrostatic sanitisation technology) to ensure passenger well-being. "We care about the customers," Arshad emphasises, encapsulating the core values that have guided Street Cars for nearly twenty years.

The travel industry has, of course, evolved dramatically since Street Cars first hit the Manchester streets. The shift from traditional phone bookings to the convenience of mobile apps is a significant change, and Street Cars has proactively embraced this evolution. They have invested considerable time and resources into developing their own dedicated car-booking app, a move that reflects their commitment to modernising and meeting customer expectations. "We’re proud of it – it’s a really good app," Naveed explains, highlighting its user-friendly features. The app provides passengers with essential information at their fingertips, including driver details upon booking, an estimated time of arrival (ETA), and seamless card payment options. This focus on simplicity and ease of use makes booking a Street Cars taxi more convenient than ever before.

Beyond the undeniable benefits of convenience and enhanced safety features, there's a compelling financial incentive to choose the Street Cars app. Customers can enjoy a significant 20% discount on fares all year round when booking through the app. This attractive saving makes it an even more appealing option, especially as the world continues to open up and travel becomes more frequent. It’s a tempting travel bargain that rewards loyal customers and attracts new ones.

After two decades of successful operation, Manchester's beloved Street Cars has successfully modernised and mobilised, positioning itself for a new era of service. With their commitment to professionalism, customer care, and technological innovation, it's clear that Street Cars is well-equipped to continue serving the city for many years to come. As the Street Cars poem aptly puts it, "Our public service never stops." This dedication to continuous improvement and community support ensures that Street Cars remains a shining example of a local business that truly understands and serves its city.

### Why Choose the Street Cars Mobile App?

The decision to book your taxi through the Street Cars mobile application offers a multitude of advantages, streamlining your travel experience and providing tangible benefits. Here’s a breakdown of why it’s the preferred method:

  • Convenience: Book a taxi anytime, anywhere, directly from your smartphone. No need to wait on hold or search for a phone number.
  • Real-time Information: Receive instant updates on your booking, including driver details, vehicle information, and an accurate ETA. This transparency allows you to plan your journey with confidence.
  • Safety First: Rest assured knowing that Street Cars prioritises your safety. The app booking process is linked to their professionally presented drivers and well-maintained vehicles, equipped with protective shields and sanitised interiors.
  • Cost Savings: Take advantage of an exclusive 20% discount on all fares when you book via the app. This consistent saving makes your journeys more affordable throughout the year.
  • Easy Payment: Securely pay for your journey using your credit or debit card directly through the app, eliminating the need for cash transactions.
  • Track Your Ride: Many apps offer live tracking of your taxi's location, allowing you to see exactly when it will arrive.

### Street Cars vs. Traditional Booking Methods

To further illustrate the benefits of the mobile app, let's compare it to traditional booking methods:

| Feature | Mobile App Booking | Phone Booking | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Booking Speed | Instantaneous, few taps | Requires finding number, speaking to operator | | Information | Driver details, ETA, real-time tracking provided | Operator provides basic information, less detail | | Payment | Secure in-app card payment | Often cash-based, may require exact change | | Discounts | Exclusive 20% off all year round | Standard fares, no app-specific discounts | | Availability | 24/7 access | Dependent on operator availability and busy lines | | Record Keeping | Digital record of bookings and payments available | Manual record keeping or relies on memory | | Convenience | High - book from anywhere | Moderate - requires phone access | | Safety Features | Linked to enhanced safety protocols (shields etc.) | Standard service, less direct information flow |

### Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I download the Street Cars mobile app?
A1: You can typically find the Street Cars app on both the Apple App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices. Simply search for "Street Cars Manchester" and follow the installation instructions.

Q2: Is the 20% discount truly applicable to all journeys booked via the app?
A2: Yes, according to the information provided, the 20% discount is available on all fares when booked through the dedicated mobile app, making it a consistent saving.

Q3: Can I book a Street Cars taxi for a future date using the app?
A3: While the provided text doesn't explicitly mention pre-booking, most modern taxi apps allow you to schedule rides in advance. It's recommended to check the app's features or contact Street Cars directly for confirmation.

Q4: What payment methods are accepted through the app?
A4: The app allows for convenient and secure payment by card, simplifying the transaction process after your journey.

Q5: How does Street Cars ensure driver and passenger safety with the app?
A5: Street Cars prioritises safety by ensuring drivers wear professional attire, using clean and modern vehicles, and equipping them with protective shields. The app provides transparency by giving you driver details, and the vehicles are regularly sanitised using Electroclean technology.

Why do people still use taxi services?

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