Best Rideshare Alternative

What’s the best rideshare alternative in Australia?

A licensed taxi network is a highly accountable rideshare alternative in Australia. As Australia’s largest licensed taxi network, 13cabs operates over 10,000 vehicles across every state and territory, offering government-regulated fares that are never driven up by surge demand.

While public transport is an option, it relies on fixed routes and timetables. For a direct, door-to-door ride in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, the 13cabs App puts a licensed, police-checked Driver at your door 24 hours a day. These are just some of the reasons why Australians choose 13cabs over standard rideshare services.

Are rideshares cheaper than a taxi in Australia? 

Rideshares can appear cheaper until surge pricing kicks in. During major events, peak hours or public holidays, rideshare fares can spike significantly within minutes. With 13cabs, however, government-regulated rates apply regardless of demand, so you’ll never pay more just because it’s busy.

Airport transfers are a good example. Rideshare fares to Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport and other major airports can spike the moment demand picks up at the terminal. Book your drop-off through the 13cabs App, select a Fixed Fare before you leave, and your price won’t change, regardless of how busy it gets.

What safety standards does 13cabs operate under?

As a licensed taxi network, 13cabs operates under government transport regulations in every state and territory. Every 13cabs Driver is police-checked, government-licensed and personally accountable under Australian consumer protection law.

You get your Driver’s name and vehicle details before you get in, and your trip is GPS-tracked from pickup to drop-off. Our 24/7 Australian-based contact centre is on 13 2227 any time you need us.

The 13cabs App keeps you in control throughout. You can track your trip in real time and share your journey with someone you trust, while the MyDriver feature lets you save and rebook a 13cabs Driver you’ve travelled with before. 

These standards come built into every 13cabs booking. That’s what it means to be a licensed, regulated taxi network. Read more about 13cabs safety standards.

The difference between 13cabs and rideshare goes beyond price

Rideshare apps operate primarily as technology platforms. They connect passengers to private drivers through an algorithm, with pricing and standards managed internally by the platform. 13cabs is different. We’re a licensed taxi network that operates in accordance with official government transport regulations in every state and territory.

Carpooling means sharing your route with strangers, a car-sharing service requires you to drive yourself, and public transport like trains and trams runs on fixed timetables with no door-to-door service. With the 13cabs App, however, a uniformed, professional Driver comes straight to your door on your schedule, right across Australia.

What makes the 13cabs App different from rideshare apps?

Rated 4.7 stars on the App Store, the 13cabs App puts you in control of your fare, your Driver and your trip from the moment you book.

The 13cabs App accepts Cabcharge, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and credit or debit card, with receipts sent automatically after every trip. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Fixed Fare: Select this option and pay by card before your trip, and your price is locked in, no matter how long the journey takes or how busy the roads get.
• MyDriver: Save a Driver you’ve travelled with before and request them again directly through the App.
• Pre-book up to 7 days ahead: Schedule your ride in advance for medical appointments or any trip where timing matters.
• Real-time tracking: Follow your Driver’s exact location on a live map and know exactly when they’ll arrive.

How to book a taxi with the 13cabs App

Booking a taxi through the 13cabs App is quick and straightforward. Your next cab is just a few taps away, anywhere in Australia.

You can also book a taxi online or call us on 13 2227 to request a taxi service, any time, day or night. If you prefer to use the App, here’s how to get started:

• Enter your pickup and destination: Open our taxi App and type in your starting point and where you’re headed.
• Choose your vehicle: Select a sedan for solo or small group travel, an SUV for more space or a MAXI TAXI for larger groups.
• Select your travel time: Book immediately or plan your ride up to seven days in advance for any time-sensitive trip.
• Lock in a Fixed Fare: Select this option and pay by card to secure your price before the trip begins, with no changes along the way.
• Confirm and track: Add any notes for your Driver, like a unit number or gate code, then confirm your booking to track your ride live from the moment they head your way.

Download the 13cabs App from the App Store or Google Play and book your 13cabs ride today.