Best Taxi Apps in Australia: Uber, 13cabs, Rydo & CabFare

The Shifting Landscape of Taxi and Ride-Hailing in Australia

Australia’s point to point transport sector has changed dramatically over the past decade. Licensed taxi networks, meters and radio dispatch once defined the experience. Now drivers operate in an ecosystem of booking platforms, driver apps, fleet tools and payment systems. That fragmentation can either unlock choice or create friction.

At the centre of these choices is a simple question for drivers and operators: which tools improve earnings and reduce complexity, without introducing compliance risk. The answer depends on what you value and how your business runs.

From Dispatch to Digital: How Driver Tools Have Evolved

The journey from call centres and kerbside hails to mobile bookings has reshaped workflows. Taxi networks modernised with their own apps. Rideshare platforms scaled demand through matching and dynamic pricing. Payment has moved from fixed hardware to flexible options like in-vehicle terminals and now tap to pay on smartphones via the CabFare Tap to Pay app.

Drivers Face New Trade-Offs in the Digital Era

Digital tools can increase utilisation, but they also introduce trade-offs. Commission fees reduce margins. Algorithmic pricing can limit fare control. Hardware adds cost and maintenance. A smart stack focuses on what actually moves the needle: clear earnings, fast payouts, simple receipts, reliable operations and state based compliance.

What Drivers and Fleets Value Most in Today’s Market

Revenue and Margins

Every per cent counts. Commission heavy models can erode take home income, while transparent payment fees are easier to plan for.

Control Over Fares and Customers

Some drivers want predictable fares and to retain their own customer base. Others value on demand matching even if fares are less controlled.

Ease of Setup and Hardware Complexity

Hardware can be robust, but it adds cost and clutter. Tap to pay on a compatible phone helps keep cabins clean and workflows simple. See CabFare Tap to Pay.

Reliability, Support, and Compliance

Payments should not fail. Clear receipts, accurate settlements and state by state compliance are non negotiable. Explore our Help Centre and Receipt Finder for practical support.

Comparing Major Taxi and Ride Apps in Australia

Below is a practical lens on the most referenced tools from a driver and fleet viewpoint.

Uber: Scale and Convenience at a Cost

Uber brings unmatched rider volume and fast onboarding. For drivers, the trade-off is commission and less direct fare control. This model can work for utilisation, but margins need careful management.

13cabs: Trusted Network, Traditional Model

13cabs blends licensed taxis with an app based booking experience. It benefits from brand trust and regulated operations. Drivers gain fleet support and consistent fares, but there is less flexibility than pure rideshare models.

Ingogo and Rydo: Taxi-Focused Digital Challengers

These platforms digitise taxi bookings and dispatch without becoming rideshare networks. Their opportunity is to serve regulated taxi segments well. The challenge is scale and driver engagement across cities.

Payment Systems Behind the Wheel: The Legacy Layer

Cabcharge: Deep Roots, Modern Constraints

Cabcharge has long powered non cash taxi payments with networked accounts and terminals. Its reach remains significant, but drivers and fleets increasingly look for mobile first options, transparent pricing and simpler reconciliation.

Live Group and Other Infrastructure Providers

Merchant service providers and terminal vendors continue to support fleets with hardware based solutions. For some operators, dedicated terminals remain the right choice. For others, the next step is phone first acceptance via Tap to Pay.

Introducing CabFare Tap to Pay: Simplicity Meets Compliance

What Is CabFare Tap to Pay

CabFare Tap to Pay lets drivers accept contactless payments on a compatible smartphone, without renting a separate terminal. Drivers can issue digital, taxi compliant receipts and see earnings in real time. For fleets, this reduces hardware handling and speeds up onboarding across vehicles.

Designed for Drivers, Not Devices

Set up is straightforward, and there is nothing bulky to mount or charge. That means less clutter in the cabin and fewer points of failure. If a fleet prefers dedicated hardware, they can still choose the CabFare EFTPOS Terminal and run a hybrid environment.

For industry specific needs, see solution pages: Taxi Drivers, Limousine Drivers, Rideshare Drivers, Fleet Operators and Taxi Networks.

How CabFare Stacks Up Against the Competition

Key Advantages of a Payments-Only Model

• Fair and clear pricing: No ride commission model, just transparent payment fees.

• Flexibility: Works alongside booking or dispatch apps rather than replacing them.

• Simplicity: Phone first setup, digital receipts and clean workflows.

• Auditability: Clear transaction history supports tax and compliance. See our Glossary for terms like Taxi EFTPOS and Chargeback.

Challenges and Considerations for Growth

• Adoption and trust: Tap on phone is mainstream, but some riders still expect a terminal.

• Phone compatibility and connectivity: As with any mobile workflow, device choice and signal quality matter.

• Regulatory alignment: Taxi rules differ by state and territory. Compliance remains front and centre across VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT and ACT.

Strategic Positioning: CabFare’s Role in a Connected Mobility Future

A Neutral Payments Infrastructure for the Industry

CabFare focuses on payments, not booking. That neutrality lowers friction with networks, dispatch platforms and fleets that already have demand covered.

Partnering with Fleets, Dispatchers, and Tech Platforms

Open integrations allow dispatch systems and fleet tools to pair with a compliant, driver friendly payments layer. To explore options, speak to us via Contact or see For Taxi Networks.

Building Trust Through Transparency and Compliance

Clear fees, accurate receipts and robust support help drivers and operators stay confident on the road. Learn more in the Help Centre or review a payment with the Receipt Finder.

Comparison Snapshot: CabFare vs Other Major Platforms

For hardware based acceptance, see the CabFare EFTPOS Terminal. For a clean, phone first setup, see Tap to Pay.

FAQs: Understanding CabFare and the Taxi App Ecosystem

Is CabFare a ride booking app? No. CabFare focuses on payment acceptance and receipts. You can run it alongside your preferred booking or dispatch solution. See Tap to Pay.

Can CabFare work with my existing fleet tools? Yes. CabFare is designed to complement fleet operations. Explore For Fleet Operators and For Taxi Networks.

What if I prefer a physical terminal? You can use the CabFare EFTPOS Terminal or run a hybrid approach across your fleet.

Are digital receipts compliant? CabFare issues digital, taxi compliant receipts suitable for record keeping. You can retrieve them via the Receipt Finder.

What phone do I need for tap to pay? Use a compatible NFC smartphone as outlined on the Tap to Pay page.

Where is CabFare available in Australia? CabFare supports drivers across all states and territories. Browse state pages for details: VIC, NSW, QLD, SA, WA, TAS, NT and ACT.

How do I get started? Install the app from Tap to Pay and follow the setup steps. For support, visit the Contact.

Conclusion: A Clear Lane for Payments-First Innovation

Drivers and operators do not need more complexity. They need tools that protect margins, simplify workflows and satisfy compliance. Full stack booking apps can be useful, but they are not always the best fit for every driver or fleet.

CabFare’s focus on payments creates a simpler lane. With Tap to Pay on a compatible phone and the option of a dedicated terminal, drivers can choose the setup that suits their work. For fleets and networks, CabFare is a neutral, integration friendly layer that reduces hardware footprint and supports consistent, compliant operations across Australia.

To explore how this fits your business, start with For Taxi Drivers, For Fleet Operators or get in touch via Contact.