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JusTaxi App helps Greater Manchester party-goers save on New Year’s Eve travel

An innovative new service has been launched to help Greater Manchester party-goers find the most competitive taxi fares and save money during the busy festive season.

With the number of people visiting Manchester over the holidays expected to top last year’s figure of 3.3 million, Trafford-based JusTaxi has launched an online app to help shoppers and revellers find the best price to their destination in just a few clicks.

Fares for Manchester Hackney cabs and private hire vehicles have increased significantly over the last few years as drivers have been forced to raise prices to compensate for higher fuel and operating costs. Additionally, companies typically add an additional 50 per cent charge for travel on Christmas or New Year’s Eve.

With colder temperatures approaching, Greater Manchester passengers taking as few as three trips during January could save an average of £18 by comparing taxi firms.

“There are 22 taxi firms registered with the Manchester City Council alone – with many more operating in the surrounding boroughs. Knowing which one to use can be a minefield”, said Fareed Baloch, JusTaxi’s pioneer and owner. “Many locals either use the same taxi company over and over, or phone the number on the side of the first cab they see pass by, without knowing whether they’re getting the best deal.”

The service is free to download and helps travellers find the best rate for their pick-up location and preferred destination. Customers are quoted a fixed price for their trip and have the option of paying by card, or directly to the driver in cash. Additionally, the GPS technology in smart phones and most hand-held devices allow drivers to come directly to the location of mobile customers.

He continued: “With trains and flights, there are several comparison websites available to help ease this problem, so I wanted to offer an easy-to-use solution for taxi users.”

More and more city dwellers are opting for the convenience of taxis when venturing out to socialise in Greater Manchester’s numerous nightspots, or to connect with transportation links after concerts or city centre events.

As popular restaurants, bars and other attractions become increasingly spread out, partygoers – especially individuals travelling alone or groups of women – are looking for the added safety, convenience and reliability that a taxi provides over other potential options such as buses, trams or walking.

For more information or to download the app, visit JusTaxi.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Andrea Smart .