How to Make Your Taxi More Comfortable for Passengers

Are you a taxi driver who is finding the competition to be quite steep out there? Do you want to find a way to get more customers and even establish a loyal base of returning customers? If so, it’s important to recognise what’s important to your passengers, and that is often the comfort of the ride. They want to get to their destination quickly, efficiently, without hassle, and in comfort. This opens the door for improvement on your end.

So let’s take a look at how you can make your taxi more comfortable for passengers, making sure their needs are a priority.

It’s Time to Invest in a New Vehicle

First things first, if you’re trying to make do with an older vehicle that just isn’t up to par, especially in comparison to the competition, then it’s time for a bit of a reality check. Chances are you’re ready for a new vehicle. Remember, this is an investment in your business and its future. But what vehicle is best?

There are plenty of models to choose from, but you want to factor in such things as the comfort of the ride, safety features, fuel-efficiency, storage capacity, and how easy it is to get in and out of the vehicle. The Toyota Corolla Touring Sports model is a great example of a vehicle that checks off all these boxes, and you can purchase a brand new Toyota Corolla Touring Sports for a more affordable price than you may think.

How Comfortable is the Ride?

Test drives are incredibly important when shopping for a new vehicle, as they allow you to feel how the car handles on the road, if there are any blind spots, how easy it is to park, and of course how comfortable it is. You want the ride to feel smooth on all types of surfaces. This will make for a more pleasant trip.

Keep the Car Clean at All Times

The next tip is to stay on top of keeping the car clean. If you’ve just purchased a new vehicle, you want to preserve that new car look for as long as possible. Passengers just tend to feel more comfortable when they get in a vehicle that is well-kept. It is seen as a reflection of the driver/owner and it’s a very positive quality.

To help encourage passengers to keep things clean, it’s a good idea to have a waste basket in the backseat that they can easily access.

And speaking of keeping it fresh, don’t forget so much of a person’s experiences are based on their senses and their sense of smell will kick in when they get in your taxi. Make it a habit to replace the air freshener regularly and be sure to choose a clean, light scent that isn’t over-powering. In between customers, it’s a good idea to roll the windows down at least a crack to let the fresh air in.

And while it’s wise to focus on the interior, don’t forget the first thing they will see is the exterior of the taxi so you don’t want it caked in dirt and grime. Passengers may accidentally brush against the door or the body of the vehicle when getting in/out, which can leave their clothes a mess.

Are There Any Navigational Tools?

And because you don’t necessarily know where you’re going each trip nor and you may not be familiar with the best most direct route, onboard navigational tools can be incredibly useful. Built-in GPS means you don’t have to worry about getting lost so you deliver your customers to their destination promptly and without drama.

Keep a Well-Stocked Taxi – Offer Passengers a Beverage

This one is a tip that goes the extra mile, but again, if your focus is customer satisfaction, this is how you achieve it. Provide water bottles in the taxi. Should the water spill, at least you know it won’t leave a stain.

The Music Should Be Low and Pleasing

There is nothing wrong with having music playing in the taxi when you pick up customers, but it needs to be kept fairly low so people can still carry on a conversation. As well, pick music that is universally pleasing and free of any bad language. You could even ask your passenger if there is a particular station or type of music they want you to put on.

You’re Creating a Brand and an Experience

What many taxi drivers fail to realise is they are creating a brand and an experience with each ride they offer. You want your passengers to remember you as being professional, and polite and that you had a taxi that reflected that same image. These steps and tips can take you far in creating a positive brand image, one that will help you to build a loyal customer base.