In the rapidly evolving UK taxi industry, effective cab dispatch software can make or break a fleet’s efficiency. Taxi company owners must evaluate leading taxi dispatcher platforms to find one that aligns with their needs. Three major contenders are Cab9 Dispatcher, AutoCab365 Dispatcher (by Autocab), and iCabbi Dispatcher. Each offers a robust cloud-based solution with mobile apps, automated dispatching, and back-office tools. The right choice depends on features, ease of integration, support, pricing and scalability. Below we compare their strengths and capabilities.
Cab9 Dispatcher
Screenshot of the Cab9 dispatch console. Cab9 is a UK-developed cloud platform that emphasizes simplicity and flexibility. Its web console has intuitive dashboards and an easy-to-navigate interface “built around simplicity of use”. In practice, Cab9 offers a powerful dispatch engine with full driver and passenger apps that integrate seamlessly into workflows. The system automates allocations and even supports driver bidding based on business rules. Back-office functions like invoicing, driver-payroll and reporting are built in. Importantly, Cab9 allows operators to customize pricing models and rules (fixed, variable, peak-hour rates, etc.) to suit their business. The platform also includes a unique national workshare network: Cab9 operators in different regions can collaborate and exchange jobs, helping larger fleets cover more ground.
- Key Features: Cab9 delivers end-to-end dispatch tools – from booking intake and auto-allocations to back-office management. The system comes with native Android/iOS apps for drivers and passengers, enabling mobile booking, secure payments, journey tracking and earnings dashboards.
- Ease of Use & Integration: Cab9’s console is praised for its clean design and intuitive layout. The vendor notes that “everything you need is at your fingertips”. Integration is robust: Cab9 offers open APIs and built-in connectors for common services (e.g. accounting, payment gateways, telephony). Its mobile apps are designed for simplicity – for example, the driver app has easy navigation and real-time data to engage drivers.
- Customer Support: Cab9 provides 24/7 support from an in-house technical team. The company advertises round‑the‑clock helpdesk and emergency phone support for clients. Operators report quick response times and knowledgeable assistance; one director noted that Cab9’s “customer support is prompt and reliable”.
- Pricing & Scalability: Cab9 does not publish prices publicly. Vendors typically offer tiered quotes based on fleet size and feature needs. The system is designed to scale from small local firms to multi-site operators. Its national workshare capability and modular “fully customisable” settings mean a small dispatch center can grow into a larger network without switching systems. Cab9’s flexible rule engine also lets companies adjust fares and priorities for peak times or specific clients.
AutoCab365 Dispatcher
AutoCab (often called AutoCab365) is a long-standing market leader for UK taxi fleets. Its modern cloud-based Booking & Dispatch system is proven in over 30 countries and thousands of cars. Key attributes include:
- Key Features & Integration: AutoCab365 offers a highly-configurable auto-dispatch engine. Operators can create multiple dispatch strategies (e.g. prioritizing nearest car vs. longest waiting) to suit local demand. The platform supports “repeat” bookings (return and multi-leg jobs) and sends automatic text notifications to customers (on booking, dispatch, arrival). Importantly, it unifies all booking channels: calls, the passenger app, e-booker and IVR feed into one console without manual juggling. It also handles multi-company fleets – for example, regional subsidiaries or sister brands can be managed together on one screen.
- Ease of Use & Onboarding: The AutoCab interface is browser-based and user-friendly. New customers benefit from Autocab’s comprehensive onboarding process. The vendor highlights that transitioning “is effortless every step of the way,” with dedicated UK-based account managers to migrate data and train staff. Autocab emphasizes a knowledgeable, responsive support team to help operators get up to speed.
- Customer Support: Autocab is well-regarded for strong customer service. Its documentation and training (webinars, knowledge base) are extensive. Critically, Autocab provides 24/7 technical support in the UK. The company promises “dedicated tech support 24/7 – even for the smallest queries”. Users frequently report that Autocab’s support staff “consistently delivers outstanding service,” resolving issues quickly and even collaborating on custom improvements.
- Pricing: AutoCab365 does not list pricing online. Like Cab9, it requires contacting sales for a quote. Reports note that Autocab typically offers competitive pricing considering its enterprise-grade features. They may offer discounts for large fleets or long-term contracts.
- Scalability & Customization: As a cloud system, AutoCab365 scales easily. The platform can “handle greater trip volumes” without extra dispatchers, making it suitable for large or fast-growing fleets. Administrators can set up different zones, tariffs, and company divisions through the web portal. A fleet can start with a few cars and expand into multiple locations or merge with other fleets (Multi-Company mode) without changing systems. Autocab’s 20+ years of development also means it regularly adds features (surge pricing, AI tools, etc.) while maintaining stability.
iCabbi Dispatcher
Screenshot of the iCabbi dispatch platform (web and mobile views). iCabbi is another global taxi dispatch platform, known for reliability and advanced tech. Its marketing highlights “99.999% uptime” and over 1,000 real-time configuration options. Key points:
- Key Features: iCabbi’s system is a fully-integrated dispatch platform with a rich feature set. It offers market-leading customer booking tools (apps, web, voice) and a highly-customisable dispatch engine. The platform also includes value-added modules like Move AI for optimized routing of non-emergency patient transport, and a card-payment wallet for driver earnings. Essentially, iCabbi can serve as the “brain and heart” of a taxi operation.
- Driver & Customer Apps: iCabbi provides dedicated apps and portals. The Driver App (iOS/Android) shows trips, earnings and navigation. There’s also a Driver Pay system for instant payouts. For customers, there are Android/iOS passenger apps and corporate booking portals. iCabbi even offers advanced Voice/IVR solutions, tapping Google’s conversational AI for call-taking. On the back end, the system includes a DIY Driver Portal – drivers can securely upload documents and complete onboarding steps themselves, saving admin time.
- Ease of Use & Integration: The platform is sophisticated but designed for usability. Dispatchers get a modern board with drag-and-drop and filters. iCabbi provides APIs and webhooks to integrate with telephony, accounting, CRM and other systems. The supplier touts a managed roll-out: client staff receive training and there is support for data migration. Many operators find the dashboard powerful but note it has a learning curve due to its many options.
- Customer Support: iCabbi maintains a 24/7 Support Centre. Customers log into an online helpdesk (Zendesk) at any time of day. Support channels include a helpdesk phone line (with extended hours), live chat (weekday business hours), email ticketing and an emergency hotline for out-of-hours crises. There is also a comprehensive online knowledge base. In short, operators can reach iCabbi’s team around the clock and find documentation on updates and FAQs.
- Pricing: Like the others, iCabbi’s pricing is custom and confidential. It typically involves a multi-year contract (some clients report 5-year terms) and is scaled to fleet size and modules used. No subscription details are published, so fleets must request a proposal.
- Scalability & Customization: iCabbi is built for growth and complexity. Its cloud architecture supports very large fleets, multiple offices, and corporate accounts. The vast array of configurable settings allows operators to set up multiple zones, pricing tiers, fixed tariffs, or voucher schemes – essential for franchises or large urban networks. The reported uptime (virtually 100%) and heavy-duty infrastructure means iCabbi can handle tens of thousands of trips daily. In short, it suits medium-to-large fleets looking for an enterprise-grade solution.
Choosing the Right Taxi Dispatch System
All three dispatchers – Cab9, AutoCab365, and iCabbi – offer robust taxi dispatch solutions. Cab9 Dispatcher shines with its simplicity and user-focused design: it is quick to learn and comes with a built-in UK workshare network, making it a good fit for firms prioritizing ease of use and collaborative flexibility. AutoCab365 Dispatcher has decades of deployment experience and a very configurable engine, backed by excellent UK-based support; it’s often favored by larger companies that need granular control over their dispatch logic and proven reliability. iCabbi Dispatcher appeals to operators who need enterprise-grade performance and advanced features (like AI-driven optimization and integrated driver apps) along with the assurance of near-constant uptime.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your fleet’s size, operational style, and growth plans. Smaller or mid-size taxi firms might lean toward Cab9’s straightforward setup, while large multi-site companies often choose Autocab or iCabbi for their deep configurability. All three systems have their own pricing models (typically custom quotes) and scalability, so it’s worth arranging demos. We encourage UK taxi dispatch operators to evaluate each platform against their needs: sign up for trial accounts or webinars, consult current users, and see which cab dispatch solution aligns with your business goals. By doing so, you can adopt the dispatcher that helps you deliver better service, operate efficiently, and keep your taxi company moving forward.
