Is Uber breaking the local taxi market in England?

The ultimate success of the ride hailing app Uber has caused the local taxi market of England to come to a halt.  The taxi market of United Kingdom is huge. It comprises of both private and traditional taxis. Many thousands of these employees are trading local cab companies to opt for the Silicon Valley largest start up.

Uber England

What is Uber?

Below are some quick facts about Uber

• Uber is now operational in 68 countries and about 400 cities around the world.

• The app was first launched on 31 May 2010.

• The app is known to set great store when you enter it the first time. It is similar to the experience Apple gives to a customer.

• With Uber you get a feeling of plenty, and assurance that there will be plenty of drivers for you in time of need.

When you open the app Uber you see the logo flap in front of you for a few seconds. Later you see the city streets around you. The vehicles coloured in grey also give you a promise that there will be one for you nearby. Uber operates in a team small team known as ‘launcher’ and hires a local employee. That local employee finds potential drivers and recruits riders.

Uber in the Capital

London is one of the biggest Metropolitan cities in the world. When Uber first hit the city many thought that it will not be able to make a mark. London has the scale and mass of a transit system as comparable to that of New York. It seemed tough to penetrate the market however time proved to be in favour of Uber.

The app managed to make local black cab drivers to go on strike. According to the black cab drivers the app was undercutting their market. They present an argument that Uber is using a app to calculate fares whereas it is illegal for a private vehicle to have a taxi metre.

However users of Uber maintain a stance that Uber is safe and most importantly cheaper than a black cab. Usually in free market economies the rates of taxis’s change as per the situation. Users of Uber argue that while using this app they are not subjected to unfair and pretentious rates.

Well, it seems Uber has captured the market in London. Many are saying Uber is for Londoners and black cabs for tourists.

Uber and Drivers

The fairness and flexibility of Uber is attracting many drivers from established companies. In fact in London the amount of private licensed hire operators has decreased by 11 percent. Since the start of the year of 2015 Uber has managed to expand its operation in to eighteen areas and it now hires more than 30000 drivers. The amount is huge and there is no stopping to it.

Uber has managed to create a place in the United Kingdom. It is doing well and local taxi operations see it as a threat. Only time will tell how the local taxi market will survive in the future.

How Braking Distance Calculator Helps to Avoid Accidents

Braking distance calculator is a useful tool and it helps the drivers to avoid accidents by maintaining safe distance from other cars. The brakes have great significance in overall car safety and new drivers need to understand how to apply brakes in an effective way. Nowadays, we can find the latest braking systems in the vehicles such as anti-lock braking, hydraulic brakes, electronic and emergency braking etc. However, the advance braking mechanisms don’t substitute the attention required from drivers while driving. It is imperative for drivers to calculate braking distance and always have it in their minds. This is what the car braking distance calculator helps to achieve. 

Braking Distance Calculator

Significance of Braking Distance Calculator

By using braking distance calculator, the car drivers can know the measurements of appropriate distance to apply brakes effectively. When you drive at high speed, you need to maintain a good distance and know your brake reaction time. In this way, you can get enough time to apply brakes quickly in an emergency situation. The braking distance can vary from car to car and it depends on certain factors. The driver’s ability to react, vehicle condition especially working of the braking system and road situation affect the braking distance.

How to Calculate Braking Distance

It is very simple to calculate braking distance and apply it while driving. Usually, it is part of the driving lessons when you are learning to drive, but if you haven’t gone through them already, we are providing it here for your knowledge. First, you need to understand the basic concept of braking distance. Basically, it is the measurement of distance when your vehicle travels from start to end once you apply brakes. However, the total stopping distance of vehicle includes the reaction time for driver when he sees the hazard, time he takes to apply the brakes and the time in which the vehicle comes to rest. The braking distance is calculated by noticing the speed of the car against the distance travelled when you apply brakes. The friction of road is also considered in its calculation.

Maintain Appropriate Braking Distance to Avoid Accidents

The car accidents occur frequently due to unconscious driving behavior and not following the road safety rules.  By maintaining a safe braking distance, you can apply brakes timely and avoid accidents.  In order to apply the brakes of your car effectively, you need to consider few driving tips.

• ·         You must be aware of the speed limits and drive at appropriate speed.

• ·         Always keep an eye on the road to prepare yourself for responding when you see a hazard.

• ·         Don’t tailgate because it increases the chance of collisions.

• ·         Always maintain a safe braking distance.

Here we are providing a helpful table to guide drivers and enable them to calculate appropriate braking distance while driving at various speed limits. 

Speed in Kilometers per Hour	Braking Distance in meters (Normal Situation)	Braking Distance in meters (Emergency Situation)
20	4	2
30	9	4,5
40	16	8
50	25	12,5
60	36	18
80	64	32
100	100	50
120	144	72
130	169	84,5
140	196	98
160	256	128
180	324	162
200	400	200
220	484	242
240	576	288
260	676	338
280	784	392

Table Courtesy: SellCarGetCash.com 

Besides understanding the braking distance through braking distance calculator, the drivers need to understand that there are two kinds of braking distance. The table guides you both, the recommended distance while driving in normal condition or in emergency circumstances. This is how you can apply brakes effectively and avoid hazardous situations.

Getting Around London on a Taxi

You will get all the traveller information regarding taxis you want. From London black cabs to local minicabs get an insight on the essential information you need to know. 

Your London visit is complete only when you ride a black cab. These black cabs can be hailed on a street. You may also be able to find them at designated ranks at prominent places. These places include the main rail line, bus stations and the tube. You may also book them via a telephone call.

London Taxi

Tips for London Cabs rates and meter charges 

London taxis charge via a meter and there is a minimum charge of £2.60. Additional charges are applied when a cab is taken from Heathrow, book via telephone, and on traditional holidays such as Christmas and New Years Eve. 

All black cabs accept credit and debit cards. There is also no surcharge on taxi fare for card payment. As far as tipping the cab driver is concerned you can tip as much as you like but the general trend is to round up to the nearest pound.

Also Read: Heathrow Airport Taxis

Licensed Private hire vehicles 

Private hire offer many services. They range from local mini cabs to chauffeur driven limousines. London transport does provide a list of the licensed vehicle providers. You can take a look. 

Private hire vehicles are to be booked via telephone, at an office or by email. Most of the reputable licensed private hire vehicles offer a cheaper alternative to black cabs. The fares are generally reasonable but they are not on metre. You should inquire how much the trip will cost when you make a booking.

If you are booking via a telephone many hotels and hostels will be having a list of reputable licensed private hire vehicles. Minicab offices are also easily found on high streets. All licensed private hire vehicles have a distinct transport for London license disc in the front and the rear windscreen.

Accessibility of Licensed Private hire vehicles in London

A wide range of cars are used as private hire vehicles. It should be ensured at the time of booking whether the vehicle booked will be able to meet your accessibility requirements. Private hire vehicles carry assistance dogs without any cost.

Stay safe in London

Minicabs which are not booked are illegal. If you are ever approached by mini cab drivers who are seeking passengers and offering service simply avoid them. Such vehicles are unsafe and illegal. You will expose yourself in danger if you use these services.

Only taxis i.e. black cabs are allowed to stop and carry passengers right off the street. When you book your trip with a licensed private hire care vehicle provider you journey is ensured to be safe. In case of any event, the driver can be traced immediately.