The concept of a ‘good deal’ exists in all forms and ultimately touches upon every area.
When it comes to transport and travel, our room for maneuver is still significant, as innovations in this field remain a bit timid for my taste. But fortunately, they do exist!
I’m telling you this because I had the opportunity to test CityzenCab, the Zen and Citizen taxi service, a while ago.
CityzenCab is the pioneer of shared taxi services in France; the service was launched in November 2011 by the start-up Cityzen Mobility.
The principle is simple: picking up multiple passengers in the same taxi to reduce the cost of the trip for each traveler while decreasing environmental impact in the city.
This innovation, which allows you to enjoy the efficiency and security of a taxi while paying 50 to 80% less, was designed to meet everyone’s strong demand for mobility without overcrowding the roads with additional vehicles.
To provide this shared service, CityzenCab has formed a partnership with the taxi company Alpha Taxis, which currently has a network of 1,500 independent taxis in Paris and the inner suburbs.
The service is available to/from airports and Parisian train stations and throughout the Ile-de-France region, regardless of your departure or arrival city.
Booking a ride is done very quickly via the site’s online platform (also accessible on smartphones). You choose the departure and arrival location and the appointment time with the taxi. Please note, however, that booking must be done at least 1 hour before the trip.
Payment is made by credit card upon booking with a confirmation email (it’s practical and reassuring because there is no cash exchange in the vehicle). On the day of, I also received an email specifying the exact meeting place with the driver and a text message with their mobile number just in case, which is reassuring and calming.
The fare is fixed, known in advance, and on average half the price of a traditional ride. It is also guaranteed regardless of the number of people sharing the taxi (even if you travel alone, the 50% cheaper rate is guaranteed), the day, the time, and traffic conditions (in case of traffic jams and/or if the taxi has to deviate from its path due to roadworks, for example).
It’s reassuring because you are certain you won’t be ripped off by a dishonest taxi driver!
And in addition to all these advantages, it is also socially responsible because a portion of the company’s profits is dedicated to its solidarity service, “Senior Mobilité”, which allows isolated low-income elderly people to also get around by taxi. Thus, a trip within Paris is offered at €8 for these individuals.
In short, CityzenCab is the economical, eco-friendly, and socially responsible tip for traveling safely and peacefully, for half the price, while doing your part for the planet.
