TRICKS OF THE TRADE: How taxi drivers use hotel prices and apps to anticipate demand
- Perry Richardson
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers operate in an environment where demand fluctuates daily. Understanding these patterns is crucial for maximising earnings and improving efficiency. While there’s no crystal ball, there are several reliable methods to gauge potential demand. These range from analysing historical trends to leveraging technology and industry insights.
Seasonal patterns play a key role in predicting demand. Across the UK, major events, school holidays, and seasonal weather shifts can have a substantial impact. For example, during the Christmas season or summer holidays, tourist cities and towns often see an influx of visitors and locals looking to shop, dine, or travel. Sporting events, concerts, and festivals also drive significant demand spikes. Keeping an eye on a city’s events calendar can help drivers anticipate busy periods.
Taxi booking apps have become essential tools for drivers, offering a wealth of data. The number of pre-booked rides displayed on these platforms can serve as a useful indicator of expected activity levels. A higher-than-usual number of advance bookings often signals a busier day ahead both on the app and on the street. Similarly, a lack of pre-bookings might indicate a quieter period, allowing drivers to adjust their schedules or manage expectations.
Hotel pricing also offers valuable insights. Rates tend to increase when demand for accommodation is high, reflecting a surge in visitor numbers. Checking hotel prices and their availability in real time, especially for central locations or areas near major attractions, can provide a snapshot of likely passenger volumes. These figures can help drivers position themselves effectively to capitalise on increased footfall.
Live feedback from fellow drivers is another useful resource. Many drivers are part of WhatsApp groups or social media networks, where real-time updates on local activity are shared. These forums can offer a collective pulse on traffic hotspots, passenger volumes, and any issues that might affect the day’s workload. Identifying drivers with similar working patterns can further refine this insight, as their experiences often mirror your own.
Finally, it’s essential to blend these tools and insights to develop a consistent strategy. No single method will provide a complete picture, but a combination of historical knowledge, app data, hotel analysis, and live feedback can give drivers the edge in forecasting demand.
