Why I Prefer a Trusted Taxi Driver Over Uber for Airport Rides?
I’m a frequent traveller and also a big fan of Uber and other innovations in transportation. However, when it comes to airports or any critical rides, I always prefer using a known, reliable taxi driver over booking through a ride-hailing app. At times, I pay a little more for this.
Sounds strange? Not at all. Let me tell you why.
1. Predictable Experience: With my trusted driver, I know exactly what to expect. This familiarity adds comfort, security, and ease to my journey.
2. Quality and Reliability: I can count on the car being comfortable, clean, and well-maintained, ensuring a consistently high-quality ride on time.
3. Stable Pricing: I clearly understand the cost upfront. I’m not subjected to dynamic pricing that can change based on the time of day or demand. I get a fixed price.
Does This Apply to My Other Travel Needs, Like Hotels and Airlines?
Absolutely! Most of us seek these factors—predictability, quality, and consistency—in our travel experiences. While many apps and OTAs promise quick service or lower prices, they often deliver unfamiliar or inconsistent experiences.
Human beings, especially frequent travellers, naturally gravitate toward familiar brands and services. We prefer the reliability and comfort of known hotel chains, airlines, or restaurants. Only when forced by exorbitant cost or non-availability, do we usually explore new alternatives.
The Corporate Traveler’s Challenge
For employees in managed travel programs, cost-effective yet unfamiliar options are often encouraged to reduce expenses. However, this can clash with travellers’ preferences for a consistent, comfortable experience. For example, an employee might prefer specific hotels or airlines, but company policy may prioritise lesser-known providers to cut costs. Over time, these compromises can impact traveller satisfaction with corporate travel programs, as evident in internal department surveys.
Predictability is critical for corporate travellers. Knowing what to expect from their hotel or flight reduces stress and adds a sense of security. Further, it increases the productivity of employees on the project.
The Business Need for Predictable Pricing and Experience
Is this just an employee satisfaction issue? Not at all. Beyond traveller satisfaction, predictability is critical for industries like construction, consulting, retail, etc., where extended stays (often 6-8 weeks or more) are common, and lodging costs can account for up to 20% of a project’s budget. When companies bid on projects months in advance, fluctuating hotel rates can impact margins and profitability.
Today’s economic climate heightens this pressure. For example, hotel rates in the U.S. are rising, yet clients increasingly expect service providers to keep prices low amid economic uncertainty.
The Way Out- Technology-Driven Predictable Pricing
This is where technology steps in. Yes, by leveraging AI and automation, it is possible to ensure predictability in both experience and cost. For example, in WWStay, we’ve developed predictive models to provide stable rates for clients in the U.S. and U.K. It helps clients align project costs and enhance traveller satisfaction, all while adhering to corporate policies.
My Take: Striking a Balance Between Cost Efficiency and Quality Travel Experience
In the end, it’s about finding the right balance between cost savings and a dependable, high-quality travel experience. All travel managers know how difficult it is to do that. With AI and predictive modelling, we now have powerful tools to make this balance achievable.
Predictability isn’t just good for employee satisfaction—it’s a critical business need, especially for project-based industries where improved predictability leads to better profitability.
There is a case to relook at how we organise travel!!
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