The war between “classic” taximetry and technologically integrated or shared ride (Uber, Bolt or Clever) is just beginning. Ride-sharing services say taxi drivers have older cars and cite surveys to back it up, while taxi companies say the platforms operate within the law. HotNewss.ro looked at both markets, analyzing several things relevant to travelers.

On Monday morning, the Confederation of Authorized Romanian Operators and Transporters (COTAR) sent a statement (in response to the ride-sharing platforms sent on Friday) in which it requests clarification from the Romanian government regarding the legality of the activities of companies that mediate alternative transport (digital platforms ).

“We have documents that confirm tax evasion by these companies, the facts are known to the controlling bodies and at the Government level, but they were never investigated and never stopped,” say “classic” taxi drivers.

The war between the two camps that is being waged in Romania is not something new in Europe. It also existed in Spain and Germany, but also in other countries.

When comparing ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt, or Clever) to traditional taxis, there are a few things to keep in mind.

The choice between ridesharing and a classic taxi depends on individual preferences and needs

Car rides on digital platforms can offer greater convenience, while taxis offer a sense of security thanks to stricter regulations. Decision factors taken into consideration include cost considerations, comfort level, adherence to traditional standards and personal comfort with each service you seek.

Cost: Ride-sharing services sometimes offer discounts, but sometimes higher prices than traditional services

Advantages of digital platforms include the discounts they periodically offer to travelers, as well as high rates during peak hours, which can make them more expensive than traditional taxis.

On the other hand, there are quite a few traditional taxi drivers who refuse short-distance rides, claiming that they don’t have a tip and you can’t judge the quality of the ride or the driver. Getting into a taxi in an unfamiliar city can be nerve-wracking. You have no idea how much the trip should cost or whether the driver is taking the shortest route to your destination. With traditional taxis, you don’t have an estimate of the cost of the trip.

Convenience, or the ease of calling and then paying for the fare

Rideshare: Digital platform services offer the ability to call a car through an app on your phone. Passengers can track the driver’s location, see the estimated time of arrival and pay for the trip electronically. Shared rides are often considered easier to use and offer the option of cashless transactions.

Taxi: Taxis can be hailed on the street or found at designated taxi stands. However, they may not offer the same level of convenience as ride-sharing platforms.

Availability: Ride-sharing services are available in many cities, while taxis are more common in larger cities and tourist destinations.

Security and Regulation: Traditional taxi companies are more regulated than ride-sharing companies.

Quality of service: Drivers of digital platforms often strive to get good ratings, which leads to better service, taking into account passenger feedback, and the quality of service in a taxi can vary depending on the standards of the driver and the company.

Cars: Digital platforms offer a variety of options – from standard sedans to luxury cars – that cater to the different needs of passengers, while taxis typically only offer one standard type of vehicle.