Have you recently been troubled by cab dispatch service apps, QR code payment capability, and increasingly high-tech cabs? In this issue, we will review how to reserve a taxi and how to use the app to dispatch a taxi.
How do I call and get a cab in Japan?
How do you get into a cab? There are four basic ways to get into a cab. They are as follows. So, I would like to explain them one by one!
- Boarding a cab from a cab stand
- Stop and board a cab that is marked “vacant” while it is in motion.
- Use an app that allows you to arrange for a cab to be waiting for you.
- Contact the cab company, call a cab to your current location, and get in.
Board a cab from a cab stand.
Cab stands are basically located at the station roundabouts and in large commercial buildings! There are almost always a few cars waiting for you, so they are very accessible! However, be aware that they can get crowded during bad weather!
Stop a running cab and get in.
In many cases, you will use it when you are in a hurry or walking on the main street! This is when you so-called “catch” a cab that is running! However, there are two things to keep in mind in this case.
■ Raise your hand toward the cab to appeal for a ride!
The cab driver is driving, so unless you make some gesture, there is a good chance he/she will not notice you and will overlook you! In this case, be sure to raise your hand to indicate your intention to get in!
■Be sure to appeal for a ride in a cab that is marked “vacant” or “premium”!
Note the cab display. There are two states in which a taxi is available. There are two available states: “vacant” and “premium”! Other tables are listed below!
| 空車 | [Ride available] Basically, the cab driver is on a free ride. |
|---|---|
| 割増 | 【Ride available】Ride available Fees are surcharged during the late-night and early-morning hours from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. |
| 支払 | 【Unable to board】This is when the user arrives at the destination and pays the fee. |
| 回送 | 【Not allowed to board a train or ride】It is displayed when the cab driver is back at work or on a break. |
| 予約 | 【Not allowed to board a train or ride】The room is being booked in some way. (No fees are added when you are on your way.) |
| 迎車 | 【Not allowed to board a train or ride】It is in a state of being booked in some way. (Fees are still added when you are on your way.) |
| SOS | 【Not allowed to board a train or ride】The cab driver is in need of help. |
| 救援 ・ 救護 | 【Not allowed to board a train or ride】We are in the state of relief efforts. |
Find an available cab with an app that allows you to arrange a cab.
Here in recent years, you can hail a cab using an app! The most popular apps are “GO”, “Uber Taxi”, and “DiDi”! To use the app, you need to register your personal and payment information and turn on location information. To use the app, set your destination in the app and it will arrange a cab nearby. By the way, a cab icon will appear when a nearby cab is passing by. These are good high-tech times!
Contact the cab company, call a cab to your current location, and get in.
This is the method of calling the cab company directly and making arrangements! For example, you can ask the restaurant to arrange a cab for you at the end of a drinking session.
What about during the cab ride?
If you use a ride method other than the app, be sure to tell them your destination! Also, the left rear door of the cab is designed to open automatically, so sit in the back seat!
What about getting out of the cab?
When you arrive at your destination, you pay! The most common payment methods are cash and credit card payments! However, in recent years, more and more cabs are supporting QR payments such as “Pay Pay” and “d-payment”! Make sure to pay and get off the bus!
Finally
There are four main ways to take a cab!
- Boarding from a cab stand
- Stop and board a cab that is marked “vacant” and a cab that is running.
- Find an available cab with an app that allows you to arrange a cab.
- Contact the cab company, call a cab to your current location, and get in.
Then the process is to get into the cab, get off at your destination, and complete payment! Why don’t you master how to take a cab and go to various places?
