Fixed Price Taxi Fares For WA Residents In Transport Boost
Residents in WA now have access to fixed-price taxi fares in one of the biggest transport shake-ups in the State for decades.
Swan Taxis, operated by leading transport provider ComfortDelGro Australia, has joined forces with Australia’s largest taxi company, 13cabs, which boasts a sophisticated in vehicle taxi technology and dispatch service.
Swan’s fleet of more than 1,000 taxis will be co-branded with 13cabs and, for the first time, will offer fixed-price fares and seamless app payments, which will remove the need to pay separately at the end of the trip.
The company is also significantly extending its footprint throughout WA, operating out of Broome, Geraldton, and Mandurah under the 13cabs brand.
A2B Australia CEO Nick Yap said the integration of the two companies made sense and would result in a superior service for WA residents.
“Residents and tourists can now get guaranteed fixed-price fares when booking through the 13cabs app, which means the price of a journey does not change even if it is peak hour, a public holiday or at 3 am,” he said.
“Unlike other companies, there is no surge charge, ever, when booking through the 13cabs app.”
Mr Yap said 13cabs Chief Operating Officer Olivia Barry would be responsible for the company’s WA operation.
“Olivia has had a very positive impact on 13cabs since becoming COO in 2022, concentrating on better customer service and driver safety,” he said. “I welcome her considerable expertise in improving taxi services in WA.”
Ms Barry welcomed the integration, saying 13cabs' sophisticated vehicle technology and dispatch service ensured passengers would get the best price for their trip and could quickly and easily book a taxi.
“Access to fixed price fares is a great outcome for WA residents, as they will know exactly what their fare will be,” she said.
“Booking through the 13cabs app also gives our customers the choice and flexibility to book in several ways most convenient to them – via the app, online, through interactive voice response or speaking to an operator.
“Our Drivers are the backbone of our business. They are genuinely excited about the changes, very customer service orientated and professionally trained.”
Swan Taxis has been operating in WA for more than 95 years.
All Drivers will now wear the 13cabs uniform consisting of a smart polo shirt, designed by Australian designer Arthur Gallan, and black trousers. All taxis have had technology updates to ensure a seamless booking service.
ComfortDelGro Australia acquired A2B Australia, a major technology and payment solutions provider for the personal transport industry, including taxi brands 13cabs and Silver Service, in April this year.
This formed Australia's largest combined taxi network, with more than 9,000 cars.
CDC has a long-term commitment to the Australian market, where it has operated for almost 20 years and employs more than 4,800 people.
With the A2B acquisition, CDC has a total fleet of more than 12,000 vehicles nationally, including buses, patient transport vehicles, and taxis.
When booking through the 13cabs App or by ringing the 13cabs Australian call centres on 13 2227 or Swan Taxis on 13 1330, anyone in Perth or the surrounding area will be automatically connected with a cab in the area.
