How not to get frustrated about taxi services during trade fairs

Better-Taxi
Better-Taxi
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Written by Linda Hohnholz

Trade fairs present challenges to even the most experienced business travelers. For example, the local transport between airport, fair, and hotel itself can give even the most experienced travelers a headache. Often the venue area or the local language is unfamiliar. The transportation capacities can be limited or completely exhausted at times of big trade fairs. So, how can a traveler best manage local transportation when relying on taxi, shuttle, or chauffeur services?

It is important to note some of the subtle differences between the various “taxi-services” – the regular taxi, on-demand private hired vehicles, and fixed-price transfer services. In the case of fixed-price offers, the contract of carriage is concluded in the mediation of the ordering process. Waiting times, delays, and cancellations are fixed in advance. For a regular taxi ride or on-demand private hired vehicles, the contract is established when boarding the taxi, also when the trip is pre-booked.

When you are quite certain about the where and when of a taxi trip, a fixed-price transfer service has the advantage that a vehicle is reserved for you. Typically, the service includes some free waiting time to give flexibility during the pick-up. The waiting time can be further extended, but then it comes at an additional cost. Especially if you have specific transportation needs, like for example you require a van or want to be picked up at an indoor meeting point such as the airport or a hotel lobby, the fixed-price transportation services can save you hassles and uncertainties.

The downside of the fixed-price rides is the fact that the transportation commitment goes both ways. Meaning, it can be canceled or changed for free only until a certain period of time before the scheduled pick-up. Depending on the service class, the free cancelation period can be as little as one to two hours or as much as a few weeks. So, when full flexibility on your schedule is required, on-demand private hired vehicles or a regulated taxi are your better choice. Please note that in many countries, private hired vehicles are excluded from servicing on-demand requests, though.

In order to navigate the various types of services a booking platform such as BetterTaxi can offer guidance on a trip-by-trip basis. Expense reporting can be made easier when online payment and billing functions are offered versus collecting individual invoices with the various providers. When planning a number of trips or larger groups, a registration or anย Event-Service can be helpful.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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