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Party-time Gypsy Taxi Service Business

You might be thinking that running a taxi service business is quite complicated and entails a lot of initial cash-out. But a party-time gypsy taxi services business isn’t an ordinary taxi service business at all. It offers special services to a niche market.

You can make use of whatever good-running vehicle you already have and begin offering lifts for people at specified locations and events.

Remember that gypsy taxis aren’t regular taxis. Hence, you don't have to go through the hassles of obtaining a defensive driving class certificate, undergoing medical exam, preparing application papers, attending taxi classes, and passing the test. You don't need to get licenses/permits with the absence of a government office regulating this industry. But get your expert driving skills, sense of direction, driver's license and vehicle papers ready.

Servicing the Niche Market

As an unlicensed taxi operator, you're absolutely not allowed to give lifts to passengers along the streets. So who are your customers? Gypsy taxis basically offer rides to those attending gatherings like parties. You can either contact the host to officially announce the availability of your services or you can randomly offer taxi services for those who are leaving the venue. The former is the best option, though, to make your passenger feel comfortable and safer as some are cautious about gypsy taxis and their drivers. If you're part of the gathering, then it's all the better because you can arrange for rides during the event. If you learn of a coming gathering, search out the attendees (better if they're your friends) and offer them rides to and from the venue. Most gypsy taxi passengers are students and dorm residents who don't have their own vehicles. The initial rides are your springboards for future rides. Once people know of your dependable services, they will contact you whenever another gathering comes up.

Controversies of Gypsy Taxis

There are growing complaints about passengers, particularly female, getting ripped off by gypsy taxi drivers. It has been widely advised that passengers be accompanied by a friend or two if they opt for gypsy taxis and listen to their instincts when boarding such vehicles. Gypsy taxis are independently owned vehicles and while some are unlicensed vehicles, yours doesn't have to be. It’s highly advised that both you and your car have licenses. You’re there to offer your private vehicle and driving skills -- earning while driving -- and that's it. It's better that you pre-arrange your rides. That way, your passengers already know their drivers and vice versa, and both parties can set the fare rates beforehand.

Despite the so-called risks that gypsy taxis pose, a considerable number of passengers continue to patronize them. So you don't despair. The main benefit that gypsy taxis provide is a unique experience -- where passengers ride on a car that looks far from a taxi and yet is really a taxi because they pay for it.
 

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2 Comments

  • Jordan Long said on December 10, 2009
    Hello, I am located in Gainesville, Florida at the University of Florida. I attempted to start a free shuttle service using 3 fully electric 6-passenger vehicles to transport the night life crowd. My first business model based its entire revenue from advertisement. I quickly learned that the advertisement business is a tough right now. I also ran into a pricey insurance policy, over 15k per year. (because the vehicles do not have doors). Now I am restructuring the business to either A, be strictly a membership service, B, be a pay per ride service like a gypsy taxi or C, be a collaboration of both. I am searching for any insight to these types of business models. How much could I charge per ride? Or how much could I charge members for a monthly fee? How could I pay my drivers? I have made connections with bar/restaurant owners to give discounts to my customers. Any advice would be great! Thanks, Jordan
  • Dana said on December 13, 2010
    Harrisburg Pa area my classmates and i have a similar idea of starting a shuttle service, looking the preliminaries the cost to lease a bus on the weekends vs the fair that would be charged in the red, still would like to pursue idea any thoughts? insurance needs? etc. Thanks Dana

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