The Taxi Booking Request Process

Booking Request

Call our friendly operations centre on 131008 or use the website or app to request a taxi. Our system is controlled by GPS location & booking variables so it’s essential that you provide:

• An exact pickup address
• The destination
• The number of passengers
• Ready to go now or booking for later?
• Special requirements – Maxi taxi, wheel chair access, baby capsule etc
• Also let us know you have connecting travel plans or time sensitive bookings.

This information helps the dispatch system assign the right vehicle for you.

Availability Check & Assignment

Once the request is entered, the Dispatch System looks to assign a suitable taxi based on things such as;

• Current booking requests already in the system
• Your location
• Special requests as mentioned above
• The taxis current/final location (GPS)
• The expected time of availability/arrival

Note: In December 2022 we upgraded to the latest servers, dispatch software system & internet to increase the speed and efficiency of our service.

Dispatch

Once a suitable and available taxi is found, the booking request is assigned by the Dispatch System. The driver is instantly notified of the booking and is dispatched to your location. 

Real-Time Booking Information

We have two options: Message on approach / link to track booking request

• MOA: Message On Approach –  A message will be sent to your phone when the driver is within 500m of your GPS location provided.
• LINK: A text will come to your phone with a link where you can track the vehicle once your request has been accepted.
• APP: You can monitor your booking via the app.
• LINK AND APP: The screen will say searching until a driver accepts the request from the dispatch system. Once accepted, it will show you the location of the vehicle and the name of the driver in real time.

Arrival

The taxi driver arrives at your location, and you can begin your journey. 

Payment Information

Current fees are displayed on our website

Some journeys, such as very long or late night, may require pre-payment. This will normally be explained by your driver or operator. 

Third party EFTPOS terminals carry up to a 5% surcharge

Factors That Affect Taxi Availability

There are several variables that can affect how long it takes for a taxi to arrive:

• Service Area: The Central Coast is huge! We have 89 cars to service 1800 square kilometres from the Hawkesbury River to Catherine Hill Bay and the hinterland.
• Time of day: During peak hours, venue closing times, local events etc it may take longer for a taxi to arrive due to traffic congestion. There may be less taxis late nights/early mornings or temporarily while there is a shift change. 
• Location: If you are in a remote area or a place with limited taxi service, it may take longer for a taxi to arrive. 
• Demand & Availability: If there is high demand for taxis in your area it may take longer for a taxi to arrive. The number of available taxis in the area can affect how quickly a taxi can be dispatched to your location. 
• Distance: The distance between your location and the nearest available taxi can also affect how long it takes for a taxi to arrive.
• Road closures or detours: Road closures or detours due to construction, accidents, or events can also cause delays for the taxi. 
• Weather conditions: Severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can also cause delays for taxis.
• Assisting the elderly: Some of our elderly Central Coast residence may need some extra assistance
• Car Maintenance: There may be slight delays due to refuelling or car cleaning. 
• Driver Safety: Drivers are required to take scheduled breaks for fatigue management
• Specialised car availability: Not every taxi has the ability to have a child seat, carry large luggage, wheelchairs or large numbers. 
• Out of area bookings: Occasionally we will be booked to take clients out of the area unexpectedly to places like Sydney or Newcastle Airports. This takes a vehicle out of the system for up to 3 hours. 
• And finally, the previous booking: Any one of the factors above has a flow on affect for everyone. Customers may also change their mind during the trip and this adds to delays as well.

Overall, the time it takes for a taxi to arrive can vary widely depending on these factors, so it’s best to book your taxi in advance if you have a time-sensitive appointment.

Caveats For Requesting A Taxi For A Specific Time

When prebooking a taxi, there are a few caveats that you should keep in mind.

As mentioned at the top of this page, our taxi system is a live, free flowing system so, while we accept booking requests for specific times & will do our best to be on time, there are no guarantees due to all the variables discussed. 

We highly recommend allowing a little extra time for in case of any unforeseen delays.

A pre-booking request means your booking will be automatically entered into the system between 10 & 20 minutes prior to your requested time, depending on area eg. Mangrove Mountain would be 20 minutes due to its remote location. 

The Dispatch System will assign the next suitable, available taxi.

Time uncertainty: Even if you prebook a taxi, there can be unforeseen circumstances that can cause delays. For example, traffic congestion, road closures, or weather conditions, as explained above, can all affect how long it takes for the taxi to arrive. 

Accuracy of details: Make sure that you provide accurate information when prebooking the taxi, such as your pickup location, destination, and any special requirements. Providing incorrect or incomplete information can cause delays or misunderstandings, which can be frustrating for both you and the taxi driver. 

Payment method: Make sure that you understand the payment method when prebooking the taxi. Some journeys may require you to pay in advance, while others may allow you to pay at the end of the trip. 

Communication: It’s important to communicate clearly with our Team when prebooking a taxi. Make sure to provide clear instructions for pickup and drop-off, and keep the us updated if there are any changes to your plans. 

Cancellation policies: While we don’t currently enforce cancellation fees, please consider the impact of cancelling your reservation on our business and other potential customers. Last-minute cancellations can result in lost revenue for our drivers, our business, and can also delay other customers. If you must cancel your reservation, we kindly ask that you provide us with as much notice as possible. Your consideration in this matter is greatly appreciated and helps us to provide the best possible service to all of our customers.

Overall, prebooking a taxi can be a convenient option for getting around, but it’s important to keep these caveats in mind to avoid any confusion or delays.

Why Central Coast Taxis is better than Ride-Share services

1. Safety: Central Coast Taxis, are licensed, insured and regulated by state and local authorities. Our drivers undergo extensive background checks and training. This means that you can have more confidence in the safety of your ride. 

2. Price: The cost of a taxi ride is generally determined by a fixed rate or metered fare, while Ride-Share companies use surge pricing based on demand. This means that during times of high demand, such as rush hour or inclement weather, Ride-Share prices can increase significantly. In contrast, Central Coast Taxi’s prices remain consistent.

3. Reliability: Central Coast Taxis has a large fleet of vehicles and a network of drivers, as well as many privately owned taxis that operate within our network. This means that you can usually find a taxi available when you need one. With Ride-Share, availability can be more variable, depending on the time of day and location.

4. Convenience: Not only does Central Coast Taxis have the convenience of being able to book through the call centre, website and our smartphone app, you can also get a taxi at one of the many taxi ranks or by simply hailing a cab on the street. 

5. We are local: One of the main benefits of using a Central Coast taxi driver is their knowledge of the area. Our taxi drivers are familiar with the roads, traffic patterns, and shortcuts in their community, which can help them get you to your destination more efficiently.

   In addition, our drivers can provide valuable information about the area, such as local attractions, restaurants, and events. They can also offer suggestions for the best routes to take, depending on traffic conditions and other factors.

   Finally, using a local taxi driver supports our local economy and helps to create jobs in the community. By choosing to use Central Coast Taxis, you are contributing to the local economy and helping to support small businesses in your area.