Curb - Request & Pay for Taxis

Description

Curb - Request & Pay for Taxis is a handy app that connects users with licensed taxi drivers across major US cities. The app lets you hail a taxi right from your phone, track your ride in real-time and pay seamlessly through the app when you reach your destination. What makes Curb stand out is its focus on working with professional, licensed taxi drivers rather than independent contractors. Users can schedule rides in advance, perfect for those airport trips or important meetings where reliability is key. Curb also offers upfront pricing so there are no surprises when it's time to pay.

Key Features

• Licensed Taxi Network: Curb partners exclusively with professional, licensed taxi drivers. This means riders get experienced drivers who know their cities well and follow local regulations.
• Upfront Pricing: See exactly what you'll pay before confirming your ride. The app calculates fares based on distance and estimated time, eliminating the anxiety of watching the meter climb.
• Scheduled Rides: Book your taxi up to 24 hours in advance for those important trips. This feature is especially useful for early morning airport pickups or ensuring transportation for important appointments.
• Multiple Payment Options: Pay directly through the app with your stored credit card or use cash if you prefer. The app also makes it easy to split fares with friends and automatically adds the option to tip your driver.

Tips for Using Curb - Request & Pay for Taxis

1. Enable location services for the most accurate pickup experience and to track your driver's approach. You can also drop a pin on the map if you're in a tricky location that might be hard for drivers to find.
2. Save your frequent destinations like home, work or the airport to speed up the booking process. This saves valuable time when you're in a hurry and need to quickly request a ride.
3. Take advantage of the scheduled ride feature for early morning flights or important meetings. Setting up your ride the night before gives you peace of mind and one less thing to worry about during busy mornings.
4. Check if your city offers Curb's 'Pair & Pay' feature, which lets you connect to an existing taxi ride you've hailed on the street. This is great for business travelers who need digital receipts for expense reports but hailed a cab the traditional way.

How to Download and Use Curb - Request & Pay for Taxis

1. Download the app by clicking on the Google Play Store button if using Android, or use the Apple Store button for iOS. The app is free to download and only requires basic permissions to function properly.
2. Create an account by entering your phone number, email address and payment information. The app will verify your phone number with a text message code, and you'll need to add at least one payment method before requesting your first ride.
3. Request a ride by entering your destination and confirming your pickup location on the map. You can choose between immediate pickup or schedule a ride for later, then track your driver's arrival in real-time and pay automatically when you reach your destination.

Final Thoughts

After using Curb for several weeks across different cities, I've found it to be a reliable alternative to other rideshare apps, especially in areas where traditional taxis are plentiful. The app strikes a good balance between modern convenience and the reliability of licensed taxi services. I particularly appreciate the upfront pricing and the ability to schedule rides in advance, which has saved me from transportation anxiety more than once. While the availability varies by city and the wait times can occasionally be longer than with other services, the professionalism of the drivers and the transparent pricing make it worth considering. For travelers who prefer licensed taxis or those in cities where other rideshare options are limited, Curb fills an important niche in the transportation landscape.