U-Ride, a community-focused, technology-powered taxi business inspired by Uber, is celebrating its first anniversary.
Launched in August 2023, U-Ride is a new taxi company based in Norwich that is going the extra mile for customers.
From its headquarters on Magdalen Road, the family-run business offers private hire vehicles for people to book via telephone and through its bespoke smartphone app. Its fleet of 90 self-employed driver partners are available 24 hours a day.
"U-Ride is Norwich’s answer to Uber,” said marketing manager Farhan Rahat. “It's a taxi service for the people of Norwich to get to work, to get to hospital appointments and to get home safe.
“Our ethos is to provide safe and reliable journeys for local people to get to places where they need to be on time.”
Whether that involves local taxis, airport transfers, school runs or business trips, Farhan said the company prides itself on its exceptional service.
“It's hard to make a taxi business stand out compared to your competitors, because you're all offering essentially the same service,” Farhan said.
“But it's all about how you present and fulfil that service – infrastructure, logistics, customer service, the drivers themselves. In all aspects, we try to create an ethos of being friendly and reliable.”
U-Ride is a community focused company that offers a more personal experience.
“We want customers to feel comfortable with the driver that they're in the car with,” Farhan said. “We want them to feel safe and enjoy the journey.”
To this end, U-Ride ensures that it only employs drivers that put customers at ease.
“We have an interview process for our drivers to not just understand whether they're a good driver, but how they are as a person," Farhan said. "Having friendly drivers that can hold conversations is really important.”
U-Ride drivers also go the extra mile by always assisting clients in any way they can – such as helping with luggage.
“It's the driver's duty and responsibility to help people with shopping or luggage,” Farhan said. “When they drop the customer off, they take shopping to the door.”
He also stressed the importance of U-Ride's modern approach, which utilises real-time technology to provide the best customer support.
“Technology is evolving – and taxi businesses have to adapt to that as well,” Farhan said.
The U-Ride app is designed with a simple user interface to offer a “seamless experience” when booking your ride.
On the app, it is possible to book a taxi in less than 10 seconds. Simply input your pick-up and drop off location and the app will generate a price estimate. Customers can track their driver and vehicle details as well as their arrival on the map.
“Customer safety is paramount, so everything is tracked on the app,” Farhan said.
“The app will give a rough estimate of how long the driver will be until they get there as well as a price quote. The payment is pending until the job is complete.”
There is also an option to prebook.
READ MORE: U-Ride taxi firm launches in Norwich in the style of Uber
“The biggest issue within the taxi industry is people struggling to get a taxi during busy periods,” Farhan said. “For example, Friday and Saturday nights. It's supply and demand.
“We've taken the initiative to bring in brand new drivers – we've helped them obtain their license and supported them step by step.
“From our customers to our driver partners, we treat everyone like family,” Farhan said. “We look after each other.”
The business recently celebrated its anniversary. In one year, the company has grown from four driver partners to more than 90.
"We're so proud of how far we've come," Farhan said. "It's amazing to see how we've progressed. We've smashed all of our expectations.”
Online customer testimonials demonstrate the growing popularity of the new taxi firm’s service.
"The numbers speak for themselves,” Farhan said. “In the space of one year, we've become one of the highest-rated taxi companies in Norwich on Google reviews compared to companies that have been in business for 20 years.
"It's so nice to see all the positive comments that people make about the company, about the drivers, about the staff. It's heart-warming – and it fuels us to do more and to do better.”
After a successful first year, Farhan says the team is focused on continuing to support the Norwich community with reliable, safe and friendly transportation.
"We want to maintain what we've already done, keep bringing more drivers into the fold and keep building our reputation.
“Of course, there is no Uber in Norwich,” Farhan added. “U-Ride is the next best thing.”
For more information, visit u-ride.co.uk
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