Imagine this scene: it’s Friday night in the big city, and thousands of people are ready to let loose and enjoy the weekend. They hail taxis to take them to restaurants, bars, concerts and parties across town. 

Your dispatchers are flooded with a non-stop flurry of orders, struggling to efficiently match passengers to drivers while fielding constant calls on the radio from frustrated customers wondering when their ride will arrive. Drivers crisscross the city but can’t see where other cars are, often driving just a few blocks away from each other while unknowingly heading to the same neighborhood.

As the night wears on, dispatch falls further behind as passengers wait longer for rides that never seem to come. Your drivers lose out on fares and your customers lose out on convenience. Your taxi business loses out all around due to the communication breakdown of an outdated, manual dispatch operation.

But it doesn’t have to be this way…

The Problem with Traditional Taxi Dispatch

For decades, taxi companies have relied on antiquated systems of dispatching vehicles by radio or phone. A dispatcher fields requests, then attempts to match a driver to each rider through lots of guesswork, paperwork and outdated map books. This manual process is slow, prone to human error and creates all kinds of communication issues:

• Matching rides is an inefficient process of guesswork – dispatchers can only make their best judgement on which drivers are nearest to a passenger. They have no real-time visibility into actual driver locations.
• Information is easily lost or miscommunicated – from passenger ride details to driver check-ins, important information falls through the cracks.
• Optimizing routes is nearly impossible – drivers wander around aimlessly, with no efficient routing to fill seats or group rides heading in the same direction.
• Customer and driver frustrations build – with no insight into actual ETAs, passengers grow angry from long wait times while drivers lose income sitting idle.

For taxi companies to provide reliable service and maximize revenue in today’s on-demand world, these antiquated dispatch systems simply will not cut it anymore. Let’s look at how modern cloud-based dispatch systems provide an instant solution.

The Benefits of Implementing Cloud Dispatch Software

The benefits in real are the key features of cloud taxi dispatch software such as real-time GPS, smart algorithms and digital communication to revolutionize taxi operations. By implementing an integrated suite of technology, companies can:

• Automate dispatching using complex algorithms – Software automatically assigns each job to the optimal driver based on factors like location, passenger ratings and vehicle size. No more manual labor.
• Track all vehicles in real-time with GPS – Dispatchers can see every taxi on a map for smarter routing and ETAs. Passengers know their ride’s ETA from the app.
• Store digital records on passengers and previous trips – Cloud storage replaces manual log books, providing valuable rider data.
• Optimize driver routes and vehicle efficiency – Grouping multiple riders, identifying return trips and keeping cars full increases revenue.
• Enable real-time communication – Apps allow instant chats between dispatch, drivers and passengers with important alerts.
• Scale up instantly – Cloud platforms allow taxi companies to add new drivers, vehicles and riders in minutes without infrastructure limits.

Let’s explore the key features and capabilities of cloud taxi dispatch systems in more detail.

Top Features and Capabilities of Cloud Dispatch Platforms

Modern cloud-based dispatch systems are packed with technology to benefit both taxi companies and their customers:

Intelligent Route Optimization and ETAs

With real-time fleet tracking and routing algorithms, dispatch can match each job to the driver best positioned to reach the passenger fastest. Passengers get real ETAs so they know exactly when to expect their ride. No more wondering when or if your taxi will show up.

Driver and Passenger Apps

Drivers have their own app to accept new jobs, navigate optimal routes, report issues and communicate with dispatch/riders. Riders use an app to book rides, track their taxi’s location, provide payment and rate drivers.

Demand Prediction

Historical ride data and machine learning help dispatch understand passenger demand patterns. More taxis can be put on the road for busy locations ahead of time.

Payment and Accounting Integration

Cloud software syncs with your existing payment and accounting systems for seamless digital transactions and financial reporting.

Custom Reporting and Analytics

Detailed reports provide deep insights into all your taxi operations so you can spot issues and make smarter decisions. Track key metrics like driver earnings, passenger frequency, dispatch response times and more.

Open API and Third-Party Integrations

Integration with other business apps through open API makes it easy to connect your cloud taxi software with other tools you rely on.

Role-based Permissions

Give different users access to only the data and tools they need. Dispatchers can hail drivers, admins monitor operations and drivers check assignments.

How Taxi Companies Can Get Started with Cloud Dispatch

Transitioning from analog radio dispatch to an automated, cloud-based platform is a big change. Like adopting any major new business technology, proper implementation is crucial. Here are best practices to ensure a smooth rollout:

Onboard Drivers and Vehicles

Import all driver profiles and vehicle information into the system. Conduct training sessions to get all taxis set up with necessary hardware and software like mounted tablets.

Train Employees on New Workflows

Get dispatchers, call center staff and managers up to speed on the platform. Update processes and duties to align with automated dispatching and digital tools now available.

Start with a Pilot Group

Run a beta test with a smaller team of drivers in a specific territory before activating fleet-wide. Work out any kinks before expanding access.

Monitor Progress and Feedback

Check in regularly with users at all levels to hear feedback. Track performance metrics to quantify improvements and ROI of the new dispatch system.

Refine and Expand

Use lessons learned to refine workflows and tools. Gradually bring on more drivers once the system runs smoothly at smaller scale.

Calling All Taxis – Dispatch is Now Fully Digital

Like countless other industries, transportation and taxi services must evolve to meet rising digital expectations. Cloud-based dispatch platforms provide the technology for legacy cab companies to compete and thrive in a new mobility landscape.

By implementing modern cloud taxi dispatch software, taxi fleets of all sizes can operate more efficiently, reliably and profitably. Drivers earn more through increased demand and optimized routing. Passengers get the convenience of booking and tracking rides from their smartphones. Dispatchers wave goodbye to the headaches of archaic radio systems.

Now every taxi user – from CEOs to late night partiers – can reliably floor it across the city while you floor it as a digital-first transportation provider. Isn’t it time your taxi company shifted into high gear with cloud dispatch? Reach out to Yelowsoft today to learn more and get rolling with a free assessment.