How a transfer driver differs from a taxi driver

When offering a client an individual transfer, you don't simply sell them some space in the car. A transfer driver is different from a taxi driver because they allow clients to feel like guests during a trip. Use these differences as competitive advantages when selling the service.



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How a transfer driver differs from a taxi driver
Functions of the transfer driver
Whereas an ordinary taxi driver's main goal is to bring a client from point A to point B, the transfer driver has other functions too:

  • meeting customers:
  • assisting with luggage;
  • choosing the shortest and safest route

In addition to these basic functions, there are additional benefits available for a fee. For example, Kiwitaxi offers:

  • Child seats
  • Boosters
  • Infant seats
  • Drinking water
  • An extra hour of waiting
  • Local SIM-cards
  • An English-speaking driver
  • Extra waiting time
  • Extra stop
  • Free cancellation
  • Ski equipment box
  • Transportation of ski equipment
While a taxi driver's duties are limited to transporting, a transfer driver acts as a receiving party, a host, who is responsible for looking after guests.
Certification of transfer drivers
The problem of admitting drivers to transportation services has been acute for a long time. No one checks if illegal taxi drivers have a criminal record, drug addiction or any diseases. Almost any car owner can get access to a taxi system and start accepting orders.

Transfer drivers undergo a double certification system. Firstly, as employees of a particular car fleet, they become familiar with the qualification requirements, rights, duties, and responsibilities. They are checked according to standard medical protocols as people permitted to carry passengers. These requirements are especially strict in some countries. Secondly, drivers are trained by their transfer company and learn its regulations.
Behavior
A transfer driver most often drives tourists from an airport to a hotel and vice versa. Travelers are often exhausted after a long flight, especially if there are small children with them.

Each transfer driver should feel their client's mood and be able to relieve the tension: help with luggage, follow a comfortable driving style (drive faster or slower), and sometimes just keep quiet if the passenger is not in the mood to communicate. If clients are inspired by the trip, their driver can gladly support the conversation, tell them about the city, but will never be intrusive.

In Kiwitaxi, every part of a trip is regulated for the drivers:

  • Meeting the client;
  • Communicating with the client on the way;
  • Communicating with the client by phone, messenger, or email;
  • Resolving unsettled issues (force majeure);
  • Technical features of the trip (keeping a comfortable speed of travel and planning the route).
Transfer rules have been developed on the basis of our 10-year transportation experience.

We are not trying to assure you that all Kiwitaxi drivers are naturally nice and kind people. Their behavior is largely dictated by the rating system of order distribution in our company.

Average taxi drivers are sure that, no matter how rudely they behave, they will always get an order anyway. With transfers, there is tough competition though. After all, this service is more expensive than a taxi. In order to receive orders, the Kiwitaxi driver must take care of their rating. Politeness, customer assistance, openness, pleasant manners, and an impeccable driving style can be a reason for good reviews from clients. It's the feedback that forms a driver's rating in the Kiwitaxi system. If it is high, the driver gets a lot of orders. If the driver violates the rules of the company on a regular basis, they get negative feedback and are removed from our system.

Now you see that you can safely offer a trip with Kiwitaxi to your tourists. Remember that we give 10–15% commission for each completed transfer to travel agents who join our partner program.
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