Among taxis, you can notice many brands and models of cars. It all depends on the city and the company providing the services. German taxi drivers may choose different cars than Polish drivers. However, in Poland, the leaders in taxi car rankings are Škoda and Toyota. According to the law, what must a taxi have, and which cars are best suited for Uber, Bolt or Free Now drivers?
Essential taxi equipment
The essential equipment for a taxi is regulated by the Ministry of Infrastructure’s regulations. With the development of the taxi industry, the rules have changed. As many drivers use Uber, Bolt, or Free Now apps, taxi meters and fiscal cash registers are no longer necessary. Today, these functions are fulfilled by mobile applications.
Nevertheless, every car must undergo additional technical inspections at the Vehicle Inspection Station. A technician will check the car for efficiency and necessary equipment. Therefore, the car must have:
- First aid kit
- Spare wheel
- Toolkit for changing the wheel
- Taxi sign
- Stickers required by local authorities.
Leaders in rankings – the best taxis in Poland
Taxi cars should be safe, practical, comfortable, ergonomic, and reliable. Fleet companies often buy cars from brands like Toyota, Škoda, Volkswagen, Hyundai, or Renault. When choosing the best taxi car, consider factors such as:
- Adequate passenger space
- Large trunk
- Low fuel consumption
- Low failure rates
- Low maintenance costs
- Rare occurrence of serious faults.
Toyota as the best taxi car
According to numerous rankings, one of the least faulty passenger cars is the Toyota Prius. When ordering Uber, Bolt, or Free Now in major Polish cities, there is a high probability that the driver will arrive in a Toyota Prius or another model from this brand, such as Avensis or Auris.
According to RepairPal, the Toyota Prius is relatively inexpensive to maintain. The average total cost of repairs and maintenance is $408 (compared to an average of $526 for other passenger cars and an average of $652 for all types of vehicles). Notably, owners of this car typically bring it in for repairs only 0.5 times a year, with a probability of a serious fault occurring being only 11%.
By opting for the hybrid version with the right engine, you can enjoy relatively low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Many consider the Toyota Prius the best taxi car.
Škoda for a taxi – excellent quality-to-price ratio
Years ago, Škoda was the queen of international awards such as Taxi Driver Federation Industry or Best Taxicabs. European taxi drivers especially appreciated models like Superb and Octavia, considering them the best taxi cars. Today, when using Uber, Bolt, or Free Now apps, you often encounter drivers in Škoda cars. Vehicles from the Czech manufacturer are particularly popular in Poland.
For a 5-year-old Octavia in good condition, you can pay just over 50,000 PLN. Comfortable seats, spacious passenger space, and a roomy trunk make Škoda cars excellent for taxi drivers. Regarding the Superb model, it is said that there is no other on the market that stands out with an excellent quality-to-price ratio.
Volkswagen Passat – a sought-after taxi car
It can be said that the Volkswagen Passat is one of the favorites among taxi drivers. Regardless of where you order Uber, Bolt, or Free Now – in Poland, Germany, France, or the UK – there is a significant probability that you will encounter a driver in a Volkswagen Passat at some point.
Nevertheless, not everyone prioritizes German automotive quality. Many people prefer cheaper Škodas or Toyotas. According to RepairPal, the average annual cost of repairs and maintenance for the Volkswagen Passat is a whopping $639. This is $231 more than for a reliable Toyota. Although the probability of a serious fault occurring is only 9%, be prepared for them to happen more frequently than the average for all cars – 0.4 times a year.
Fiat – a cheap car for taxi drivers
In Polish cities, Fiat cars are often seen among taxis. The Fiat Tipo, usually with a sedan body, is a model that is in high demand. It is an inexpensive car that is also cheap to operate. It stands out with a low failure rate. This is another good option for transportation company owners, although it is chosen less frequently than Toyotas or Škodas.
Fiat Tipo has a relatively simple construction. However, enthusiasts of modern technologies, better finishing, and above-average automotive performance should focus on the previously mentioned proposals.
Taxi cars in the comfort and premium options
So far, the mentioned models of the best taxi cars have concerned standard transport. In both Uber, Bolt, Free Now, and private taxi networks, taxis can be ordered in the comfort or premium versions. This means that customers travel with experienced, multilingual, and highly-rated drivers. In such cases, taxi drivers usually drive new, a few years old cars with an elevated standard. Customers are guaranteed more space, and during the trip, they can inform the driver of their preferences. Among the models of the best premium taxi cars are:
- Mercedes-Benz-Class E W213
- Audi A6
- Audi A8
- BMW X5
- BMW X7
- Toyota Camry
- Volvo S90.
However, most customers order basic services. Therefore, Toyotas or Škodas are most often seen on city streets. Premium cars are intended for a niche group of customers.
