Cairns Taxis – Modernising Operations with Autocab

Cairns Taxis – Modernising Operations with Autocab

Company Background

Cairns Taxis, originally established in 1966 as Black & White (Quick Service) Taxis, rebranded in 2011 as Cairns Taxis Limited. It is the last independently owned taxi company in Queensland, providing dependable transport services for over five decades. Operating a fleet of 137 vehicles in Cairns and 3 vehicles in Gordonvale, the company caters to diverse customer needs, including wheelchair-accessible, maxi-taxis, sedans and a recently introduced Premium service featuring a full electric vehicle.

Challenges

Time-Consuming Manual Processes

Prior to implementing Autocab, Cairns Taxis relied on a heavily manual accounts system that required significant time and expertise to manage. The end-of-month accounts processing was complex, often taking days to complete and requiring specialised knowledge from only one or two team members.

Impact on Operations

This reliance on manual processes caused inefficiencies, bottlenecks and potential errors, creating challenges in meeting operational demands. Customers and team members alike experienced delays and scalability was limited.

Solution

Why Autocab?

Cairns Taxis evaluated several dispatch systems and determined that Autocab’s focus on innovation, particularly its detailed reporting on driver performance and behaviour, made it the best fit.

Key Features Implemented

• Accounts System: Streamlined and automated the accounts process, reducing manual intervention and increasing efficiency.

• Driver Incentives: A feature currently being implemented to reward drivers for exemplary service, improving morale and customer satisfaction.

Implementation Process

The implementation process faced initial challenges, as Cairns Taxis approached Autocab with a mindset rooted in their old system. This required a shift in thinking about how vehicles are dispatched and operational adjustments to fully leverage Autocab’s potential. Despite some hiccups, the team adapted over time, continuing to refine and optimise the system to meet their needs.

Results

Operational Improvements

Since implementing Autocab, Cairns Taxis has made significant strides in automating its processes:

• Automation now accounts for 68% of all bookings, drastically improving operational efficiency.

• The accounts process, previously requiring multiple manual steps, is now handled entirely within Autocab, eliminating the need for external spreadsheets and reducing errors.

A Single Source of Truth

Autocab has provided a streamlined platform for managing data, ensuring all accounts-related operations are accurate, consistent and efficient.

Enhanced Experience Through the App

The introduction of Autocab’s app has simplified the booking process for customers, earning positive feedback on its ease of use. While the app is effective, the absence of a national app for broader reach is noted as a limitation.

Driver Feedback

Drivers have expressed appreciation for the system’s simplicity compared to the old dispatch solution, enabling them to work more efficiently and with less frustration.

Growth and Future Plans

Growth Since Implementation

While overall growth in fleet size has remained stable, fleet revenue has improved, in part due to the operational efficiencies brought by Autocab.

Future Goals

1. Full implementation of the Driver Incentives programme to reward drivers for exemplary service and encourage high standards.

2. Improvements to the Owners Portal, which would enhance usability and provide better oversight for vehicle owners.

Conclusion

Cairns Taxis’ partnership with Autocab has brought about significant operational improvements, particularly in automating processes and reducing manual workloads. The shift to a more efficient system has enhanced the experience for both customers and drivers. The ongoing collaboration with Autocab positions Cairns Taxis for future success as it continues to modernise and innovate in Queensland’s transport industry.

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