A chauffeur vs. taxi driver, which is your best option when choosing a means of traveling around? Have you considered the chauffeur or taxi driver pros and cons to know which is the best?
We all need a means of transportation. However, with the price hike, not everyone can afford to buy and maintain the car of their choice. And even those who can, can only sometimes travel with their car, especially when visiting a new location.
This means more people would have to rely on public transportation. Unfortunately, not many people are fans of the overcrowded buses and trains. This leaves them with the option of hiring a taxi driver or engaging the service of a chauffeur.
A taxi driver and a chauffeur drive a person or small group simultaneously. Although both provide the same benefit to get you to your destination, they differ in comfort, luxury, and professionalism.
Who Is A Taxi Driver?
A taxi driver is a person who provides transportation service to a passenger or a group of few passengers. Also known as cabbies or cab drivers, they transport passengers and loads to their destinations using a taxi/cab.
Taxi drivers usually charge each passenger according to the distance and time it takes to their destinations. In places like Australia, fares are calculated by turning taximeters on once a passenger or group of passengers is picked. Sometimes there may be an extra charge for a nighttime trip.
Taxi drivers can pick up passengers at an agreed pick-up location, cab stands, or in the taxi line. They can also pick up passengers while driving around the city streets, looking for more passengers.
However, once they have picked up a passenger/group of passengers, taxi drivers are not expected to stop and pick up more passengers on the road, even if they are going in the same direction or destination.
Who Is A Chauffeur?
A chauffeur is a person employed by an individual or a company. They provide more luxurious transportation for an individual in premium cars. It can be any car, such as a limousine, sedan, or luxury car.
Chauffeurs are professionally trained to be great drivers. They are trained to drive their client safely by learning evasive and defensive driving techniques. They may also be taught how to behave with their clients, such as serving as bodyguards, personal assistants, and butlers.
Chauffeurs ensure that their client gets to their destination safely and try to make the trip comfortable and stress-free. In addition, they try as much as possible to offer you a personalized service. As a result, you can relax with a cup of coffee, juice, or snacks and simultaneously enjoy your ride.
The Similarities And The Differences Between A Chauffeur Vs. Taxi Driver
The Similarities Between A Taxi Driver And A Chauffeur Are:
- Both offer the same benefit: getting you to your destination.
- Both do not require any form of formal education.
- Both are required to be trained and licensed drivers.
- Both can use their cars, hire a car or use a company-owned car.
- Both are required to have a good knowledge of the geographical area.
- Both are required to obey all traffic laws.
The Difference Between A Taxi Driver And A Chauffeur Are:
| Taxi driver | Chauffeur | |
| Car Used | Cars used by taxi drivers are regular standard cars, and the type of car used varies depending on the country or city. | Drive in clean and well-maintained premium luxury cars. |
| Dressing | They can dress in any outfit. | Dress formally and elegantly in a clean, well-pressed uniform with a dark suit, tie, shirt, and polished shoes. |
| Work Schedules | Working schedules are more flexible, as taxi drivers can work full-time or part-time and take a break whenever they are not transporting passengers. | Their working schedule is structured based on the needs of their client. They work full-time, always ready to serve their clients. |
| Punctuality | Since you are not the only passenger they will be transporting that day, they may miss the time to pick you up. | They keep to time. Most of them arrive earlier than scheduled, so instead of you waiting, they will be waiting. |
| No. Of Passengers Transported In A Day | They may go on as many trips as possible, transporting different passengers. | They may be hired to work the entire day, week/weeks, or even months for a private individual, company, or government agency. |
| License | Depending on the location and the law, a taxi driver may be required to have a taxi driver’s license. | They may require a private driver’s license or a chauffeur license. It depends on the law of the state where they operate. |
| Other Services Provides | They only drive you to your destination. | They don’t just drive you to your destination, but they also help you with your load. They can also double as personal assistants, butlers, bodyguards, and even secretaries. |
| Basic Skill Required | They only need to know how to drive. | They need more than driving skills. They require good communication, customer relationships, and safe driving skills. They should be able to charter to all the client’s needs and make the trip more comfortable and hassle-free. |
| Charge | Charge a fee per trip. Most of their services are usually on a short-term hiring arrangement. | Charges are fee-per-service, which can be on a short-term or long-term hiring arrangement. |
| Prices | Prices a calculated using a cab meter. | Do not use meters to calculate prices but a reservation system. |
When Is Chauffeur Cheaper Than A Taxi Driver?
Before answering this question, one should know how the price of the service of both providers is calculated.
How Taxi Driver’s Price Is Calculated
The taxi driver uses a meter to calculate the amount each passenger pays per trip. This meter uses mileage (i.e., the distance and the time) as a variable in calculating the amount paid per trip. This means that traveling to a far stretch and spending more time on the road will result in paying more.
Aside from traveling a far distance, you may also pay more for a taxi service if there is any delay. This will make you spend more time on the journey than you should in such heavy traffic.
How Chauffeur’s Price Is Calculated
Most chauffeur services charge their client a fixed price based on a reservation system that does not use any meter. Paying for a day service will take you anywhere you want – far or near till the reservation period elapses.
So you don’t have to worry about paying extra for delays caused by traffic. You can even stop for a meeting or to greet a friend, and the chauffeur will patiently wait for you.
From the picture painted above, hiring a chauffeur service is cheaper than hiring a taxi. A long-term driver can charter to all your needs and take you to any location with little or no stress.
When Is A Chauffeur More Expensive Than A Taxi Driver?
Usually, it is expected that hiring a chauffeur should be more expensive than hailing a taxi. It is because top-rated drivers use expensive cars to offer services you can’t get from an ordinary taxi.
So a taxi is a cheaper option when you do not care about:
- the type of car you are driving in
- your comfort level
- you do not need any extra services the chauffeur provides
In addition, taxis are less expensive when you don’t need a driver for the long term. Instead, you need a driver to drop you at a nearby location or to get to your destination.
The Cost Vs. Value Of Service – Chauffeur
Although chauffeur services may seem more expensive than taxi drivers, some people still prefer them. This is because of the value or benefit they will be getting at the end. Some of these values include the honor and prestige that comes with it.
- A punctual driver. So you don’t have to stand around waiting for your ride.
- It is safer than driving yourself or hailing a taxi in a new and unfamiliar environment.
- It is more comfortable.
You can hire a chauffeur to pick you up from the airport to drive you to business or special events. These events can be anything, such as weddings, birthdays, and prom nights. You can also book a chauffeur to transport you to concerts, sporting events, operas, and shopping trips.
The cost of engaging a chauffeur service for each of these occasions differs. So, what determines the price of a chauffeur service and the value you should expect? Different factors determine the price of a chauffeur service, and they are:
The Type Of Vehicle
The level or standard of luxury car you choose will determine the cost of a chauffeur service. Hiring a chauffeur with a specific luxury car model may be cheaper or more expensive than the other. This is because the running cost of each make and model of the luxury car varies depending on the following:
- Year of manufacture
- Age of the car
- Mileage
- Engine capacity
- Whether the vehicle is powered by petrol or diesel
Time/Duration
How long you will need the service of a chauffeur will determine how much you will pay. For example, the cost of engaging a chauffeur service for two hours differs from hiring one for a whole day. The price is higher because you are charged for the car and the chauffeur’s time.
Pick-Up Point And Destination
Some chauffeur service charges you per mileage. In such a case, the distance between your pick-up location and destination is considered when calculating the service cost.
When Is Renting A Luxury Car A Better Alternative To A Chauffeur
Most people can now enjoy the luxury of driving an exotic car by renting one. This is because renting luxury cars is becoming more affordable and less stressful than buying and maintaining one.
Many car rental shops are popping up almost everywhere. One doesn’t have to worry about saving up money to buy the car of their choice. One can rent any car of their choice, even a luxury car.
Self-Traveling Benefits
Renting a luxury car is the best self-traveling option for people. They can enjoy a comfortable and peaceful journey and can drive themselves instead of being driven by a chauffeur.
Another reason is people who feel uncomfortable traveling with strangers as their chauffeurs. People who prefer to be behind the wheel are also the ones who rent instead of chauffeur service. Then, they can steer the vehicle in any direction and speed they want.
Some want to control the car’s steering because it gives them the feeling of being in charge. And they are happy to be the ones driving instead of just enjoying only the air conditioning in the car.
Conclusion
Finally, after considering the difference, what is your choice? Is it a chauffeur or a taxi driver? Or do you prefer renting a car and driving yourself? What you need and want ultimately depends on you.