Is riding with Uber really cheaper than taking a cab?

Photo credit: Emanuele

Legend tells of a time before Uber and GrabTaxi, where the only way to get a cab was to either hail one or call for one. To be fair, on a scale of 1 to Impossible, it usually ranks around 2. That is true till you really need one, think getting-a-cab-15-minutes-before-I-am-supposed-to-be-somewhere.

I remember being at the mercy of the automated call system. No amount of cursing and crying would move the cab overlords to send a cab to Seng Kang.

Reminiscing aside, with the introduction of taxi apps, getting to places has become substantially easier. But is it cheaper? Behold, Specimen A.

This is my route from my office to the LAN shop I frequent (some men never really grow up), which also happens to be in a suburb. Riding with Uber is cheaper by an almost negligible amount. However, that is not taking into account that cabs are not always readily available at my office area. It usually takes me about 15 minutes to locate a cab. Assuming I call a cab to get the same service I get with Uber, there is an additional cost. Also, cabs charge extra if you are in the CBD area.

At this point you must be saying to yourself, “Joshua, there are so many factors to consider. How will I ever navigate through this vast sea of information?” Worry not reader, refer to Exhibit B for a breakdown.

At the end of the day, I favour riding with Uber. Having a vehicle pick you up at a location without having to risk standing by the roadside pining for a cab is really nice. To have a cab provide a similar service would make them cost more than an Uber ride.

Anyway, I really hate that automated taxi call center robot.