For years, booking a taxi meant one of two things: a metered fare that ticks up with every second spent in traffic, or a fixed price from an app that often feels arbitrarily high, especially when you need a ride the most. It’s a system that has always put the customer in a reactive position, accepting the price they are given.
At Ashdub Taxi, we decided to turn this model on its head. We believe that a competitive marketplace benefits everyone, which is why we built a system where local, professional drivers bid for your journey. This simple switch puts you in control, ensuring you get a fair, transparent price every single time you book.
Clever things to do in fares
What is a Taxi Bidding System?
It’s a simple but powerful reverse auction. You post your journey details, and our network of vetted, local drivers can then submit their best price to win your custom. You see all the bids in real-time and can choose the one that works best for you.
The Perfect Antidote to Surge Pricing
While rideshare apps inflate prices when demand is high, our bidding system does the opposite. A driver finishing a job nearby or heading in your direction might place a lower bid to avoid an empty return journey, saving you money precisely when others are charging more.
Empowering Local, Professional Drivers
This model gives professional drivers more control over their work. They can bid competitively on jobs that fit their schedule and location, which leads to a more efficient service and a happier, more motivated driver arriving at your door.
Complete Transparency Before You Book
You see everything upfront: the driver's name, their rating from other passengers, their vehicle details, and of course, their bid. This allows you to make an informed choice based not just on price, but on reputation and overall value.
Your Accepted Bid is a Locked-In Price
The price you accept is the final price you pay. There are no hidden fees, no metered surprises if you hit traffic, and no sudden surcharges. It provides absolute certainty and control over your travel spending.
Know before you go
While our system is great for on-demand travel, you will often get the most competitive bids by posting your journey a few hours or even a day in advance. This gives more drivers the opportunity to see your request and plan their schedule accordingly.
The more information you give, the more accurate the bids will be. Be sure to include the number of passengers, amount of luggage, and any special requirements like needing a child seat or extra space. This helps drivers bid with confidence.
The cheapest bid is tempting, but take a moment to look at the driver’s rating and reviews. Choosing a highly-rated driver for a few pence more can often be worth it for the enhanced service and peace of mind.
The bidding system is particularly brilliant for journeys that aren't a simple A-to-B. If you need a car for a few hours, have multiple stops, or are travelling to a remote location, letting drivers bid can get you a much fairer price than a standard meter.
