13cabs Vs Uber: Which Model Suits Your Taxi Startup?

In today’s digital-first world, taxi booking apps have reshaped urban commuting. Among the big names, 13cabs and Uber dominate the market, each offering a distinct business model.

If you're planning to build an app like 13cabs or invest in an Uber clone app development, understanding their operational differences is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore the 13cabs vs Uber business models to help you choose the right path for your taxi startup.

Taxi App Market Overview: 13cabs vs Uber

The global taxi booking app market has witnessed massive growth over the last decade, with apps like Uber and 13cabs leading the transformation.

As of 2025, the global ride-hailing services market is projected to surpass $150 billion, fueled by urbanization, smartphone penetration, and changing consumer behavior toward on-demand mobility.

Uber's Market Presence

Launched in 2009, Uber rapidly expanded from San Francisco to over 70 countries and 10,000+ cities worldwide.

Uber’s success is credited to its scalable aggregator model, dynamic pricing (surge pricing), easy driver onboarding, and aggressive global expansion strategy.

• Global Market Share: Uber controls around 30–35% of the global ride-hailing industry.
   

• Revenue: Uber generated approximately $37 billion in 2024, with its ride-hailing segment contributing the majority.
   

• Model: Uber acts as a platform connecting riders and drivers, taking a commission per ride without owning vehicles.
   

Uber's model inspired thousands of entrepreneurs to explore Uber clone app development, tapping into local and regional markets.

13cabs' Market Presence

13cabs, launched by A2B Australia Limited, has been a trusted name in the Australian transportation industry for decades.

Unlike Uber, 13cabs operates primarily within Australia, offering both taxi dispatch services and a modern mobile app solution.

• Regional Dominance: 13cabs holds a strong foothold in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.
   

• Fleet Size: 13cabs has access to thousands of taxis driven by licensed professionals.
   

• Business Model: They follow a fleet ownership and operator-based model, ensuring service consistency, vehicle standards, and professional conduct.
   

The 13cabs app Melbourne and nationwide has seen significant growth as Australians prefer trusted, locally regulated taxi services over foreign aggregators.

Rising Trends in Taxi App Market (2025)

Several trends are shaping the future of taxi booking app development:

• Green Mobility: Push for electric vehicle (EV) fleets (13cabs and Uber both investing in EV-friendly rides).
   

• AI Integration: Smarter route optimization, demand forecasting, and dynamic pricing.
   

• Subscription Models: Offering monthly ride packages to retain loyal customers.
   

• Safety Enhancements: Panic buttons, trip sharing, and real-time ride tracking.
   

• Corporate Tie-Ups: Providing dedicated services for companies and government institutions.
   

>> Read Also: How to Start a Taxi Business in India 2025?

Opportunities for Taxi App Startups

With growing demand for localized taxi services and dissatisfaction with global giants in some regions, new players have ample opportunity to succeed.

By combining the professional service model of 13cabs with the technological agility of Uber, startups can create powerful, hybrid taxi apps tailored for regional markets.

If you're thinking about taxi app development, now is the best time to capitalize on:

• Local market gaps
   

• Customizable pricing
   

• Niche services (e.g., women-only rides, senior citizen transportation)
   

• Eco-friendly transport solutions

13cabs vs Uber: Quick Comparison Table

13cabs vs Uber: In-Depth Comparison (2025)

1. Business Model Differences

• 13cabs operates on a fleet management model.
  They own/control cars and hire professional drivers. It's a more centralized, regulated, and stable model.
   

• Uber follows the aggregator model.
  Individual drivers use their own cars, offering flexibility and rapid scalability.
   

Taxi startups aiming for more control and service consistency should consider a 13cabs-like model.
 

 Startups wanting fast expansion with lower upfront costs should explore an Uber clone app development approach.

2. Revenue and Cost Structures

• 13cabs:
  Earns through ride fares, corporate contracts, partnerships, and government transport services.
   

• Uber:
  Takes a commission (20%-30%) from each ride completed by its partner drivers.
   

•  Taxi app development cost can vary based on which revenue system you prefer.
  A 13cabs app clone might require higher initial investment but stable long-term income.

3. Target Users and Branding

• 13cabs Australia appeals to users seeking safe, trustworthy, and pre-booked taxi services.
   

• Uber targets a younger, tech-savvy audience who value speed and on-demand availability.
   

If you plan to build an app like 13cabs, you’ll need strong brand messaging around trust, safety, and professionalism.

If you want an Uber alternative, focus on user convenience and wider driver networks.

4. App Features and Technology Stack

1. Rider App Features

Both 13cabs app and Uber focus heavily on creating a simple, reliable, and fast experience for riders. Key features include:

• Easy Registration/Login:
  Options for email, mobile OTP, and social media login.
   

• Real-Time Taxi Booking:
  Instant booking or scheduled rides (13cabs specializes in pre-booking; Uber offers real-time rides).
   

• Fare Estimation:
  Displays approximate fare before confirming a ride (vital for user trust).
   

• GPS-based Pickup and Drop Location:
  Auto-detection of user location and map-based selection of destination.
   

• Ride Tracking in Real-Time:
  Track your cab's movement on the map until destination arrival.
   

• Multiple Payment Methods:
  Credit card, debit card, wallets, and sometimes cash (important for different user preferences).
   

• Driver Information:
  View driver's name, rating, vehicle number, and estimated arrival time.
   

• Push Notifications:
  Alerts for ride status, promotions, offers, etc.
   

• Rating & Review System:
  After each ride, users can rate the driver and provide feedback.
   

• Ride History:
  A log of all completed and canceled rides.
   

• Panic Button/SOS:
  Emergency feature directly connecting to authorities or emergency contacts (especially strong in 13cabs Australia).
   

2. Driver App Features

The driver apps for 13cabs and Uber ensure efficient trip management and earnings tracking:

• Driver Registration and Profile Verification
   

• Trip Requests Management
   

• Navigation Assistance via Integrated Maps
   

• Earnings Tracker and Payout History
   

• Rating and Feedback from Riders
   

• Availability Toggle (Online/Offline)
   

3. Admin Panel Features

For startups aiming for strong backend control (especially for 13cabs-like apps):

• User and Driver Management
   

• Ride Monitoring in Real-Time
   

• Analytics and Reports
   

• Commission Settings
   

• Promo Codes & Offers Management
   

• Dispute Management System
   

• Fleet Management (For fleet operators like 13cabs)
   

Unique Features: 13cabs vs Uber

Recommended Technology Stack

For startups building apps like 13cabs or Uber, a robust, scalable tech stack is crucial.

Here’s the ideal technology stack:

5. Regulatory Compliance

• 13cabs adheres to strict local transport regulations in Australia, often offering wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
   

• Uber operates differently across countries — sometimes facing challenges with local taxi laws.
   

 When starting a taxi booking app development, understanding local compliance requirements is essential.

How IMG Global Infotech Can Help You?

Building a taxi booking app like 13cabs or Uber is not just about having a good idea — it’s about partnering with a proven taxi app development company that understands the market, technology, and customer expectations.

At IMG Global Infotech, we specialize in bringing innovative taxi apps to life with a focus on scalability, security, and future-readiness.

Here’s how we can help you transform your taxi app startup idea into a market-ready success story:

1. End-to-End Taxi App Development Solutions

We offer complete taxi app development services — from initial consultation and wireframing to app launch and maintenance.

• Custom Rider App:
  Easy ride booking, real-time tracking, multiple payment gateways, SOS safety features, and more.
   

• Custom Driver App:
  Driver onboarding, trip management, earnings reports, and navigation tools.
   

• Admin Dashboard:
  Full control over users, drivers, transactions, promotions, and analytics through a powerful, user-friendly admin panel.
   

Whether you want a fleet-based model like 13cabs or an aggregator model like Uber, we customize the solution to fit your business needs.

2. Expertise in Uber Clone App Development and 13cabs-Like App Solutions

Looking for a quick launch?

Our Uber clone app and custom 13cabs-like taxi app solutions are designed to help you:

• Save development time
   

• Minimize initial investment
   

• Get a proven, scalable app architecture
   

• Customize features to suit local markets (payment methods, vehicle types, compliance standards)
   

We ensure your app is not a copy — it’s your branded, unique product ready to dominate your target market.

3. Transparent and Affordable Investment Plans

We understand that taxi app development cost can be a concern for startups. At IMG Global Infotech, we offer transparent, flexible pricing tailored to your budget and goals.

Our investment plans include:

• MVP Development Packages: Start small with essential features, expand later.

• Full-Fledged App Development: All advanced features — loyalty programs, subscriptions, dynamic pricing.

• Custom Feature Add-ons: In-app chat, fleet management, corporate accounts, and more.

• Post-Launch Support Packages: App updates, bug fixing, scaling strategies.
   

We also provide a detailed cost breakdown so you know exactly what you are paying for — no hidden charges.

4. Robust, Scalable Technology

We power your app using the latest technologies to ensure:

• Real-Time Location Tracking
   

• Fast Booking and Matching Algorithms
   

• Secure Payment Integrations
   

• Admin Analytics for Data-Driven Decisions
   

• Multi-City and Multi-Language Support
   

• Cloud Scalability (AWS, GCP)
   

Your app will be able to handle 1000s of drivers and riders simultaneously — just like Uber or 13cabs Australia.

5. Customized UI/UX Design for Superior User Experience

Taxi apps thrive when users love the interface — simple, clean, and fast. At IMG Global Infotech, we create intuitive UI/UX designs based on:

• Rider and driver behavior analysis
   

• Industry best practices
   

• Speed optimization for low-data zones
   

• Accessible designs (for elderly or disabled users if needed)
   

We ensure that your app doesn’t just function — it delights users.

6. Dedicated Support and Maintenance

Post-launch, we stay with you to:

• Monitor app performance
   

• Fix bugs rapidly
   

• Roll out regular updates
   

• Add new features based on user feedback
   

Your taxi app will remain secure, up-to-date, and competitive long after the launch date.

Why Choose IMG Global Infotech for Your Taxi App?

• 10+ years of mobile app development experience
   

• 50+ successful ride-booking apps delivered
   

• Dedicated taxi app development teams
   

• Flexible engagement models (fixed price, hourly, dedicated team)
   

• Focus on innovation, not just duplication
   

We help you build, launch, and grow a successful taxi business — whether you're targeting a single city or aiming for multi-city expansion.

>> Read Also: Uber & Careem Clone App Development: A Complete Guide for Startups

Final Thoughts!

Choosing between 13cabs vs Uber is a strategic decision for your taxi startup. If you prefer operational control, service consistency, and strong branding, a 13cabs-like app may suit you best.

If you seek rapid scalability, lower overheads, and market disruption, an Uber clone app development approach might be better.

Partnering with a trusted taxi app development company like IMG Global Infotech ensures your journey toward building a successful taxi app is smooth, fast, and profitable.