Radio Cabs / Dial-a-Cab in Delhi

Baba

Are Easy Cabs in the International or Domestic Terminal in Delhi?

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Baba

shashank.aggarwal

Both the terminals !!

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costaguana

Do Dial-a-cab's pick up from the New Delhi train station as well as the airport? How does it then work to call them and arrange pick-up? We would have to initially call the day before and then find an STD booth at the train station to find out the cab info upon arrival. Does this work or is it just too complicated?

Thanks for the advice.

shashank.aggarwal

It should Ideally work, however I have not checked if they have an upper limit of time before which they will not take reservations...

you can call on the numbers listed above and check..another option would be to call them from a phone booth at the last major station before reaching Delhi, where the train has a considerable stoppage time !!

Aishah

Probably a mobile phone would be best rather than hopping out and rushing to look for a phone booth with the anxiety of 'when will the train leave?'! My last stop before Delhi is usually Delhi Cantt. and it is there I think around 15- 20 mins. But early in the morning it is sometimes less. But it's a good tip to ring from the train if you have a mobile - ring ahead an hour, mobiles are working very well from the train from most places on the outskirts of Delhi. It will also stop all those taxi drivers pouncing on you as you alight in Delhi - "Already booked" will have them moving fast away!

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costaguana

Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately our phone doesn't have roaming service in Delhi, so it won't be of much use, and our train doesn't make any (scheduled) stops of more than a few minutes. Do any of the dial-a-cab companies have taxis waiting at the train station, or does that contradict the entire idea? Unfortunately, our only access to a phone will be either at our point of departure (Dehradun) or at NDTS upon arrival.

Any suggestions?

shashank.aggarwal

Dehradun to Delhi is a short journey..in this case you can try to book one just before boarding the train...

OR even if you call one from the Delhi station then also it will take hardly 15-30 minutes for one to be available...as they usually have some cars hovering/parked in areas like these...

Aishah

Shashank - just another thought. Whenever I've hired cars to take me to the airport, Old Delhi Rly etc. I usually give a small tip as well as paying the amount quoted by hotel who has booked them Sometimes I pay the hotel, sometimes direct to driver. With these Radio Cabs, is it expected that the customer will also give a tip - or is it clearcut and acceptable to pay just the metered rate?

shashank.aggarwal

Well I have never given any tip to them...

You can if you want !! Even if you don't it will not be a major problem...

PS : Btw, if I recall correctly they also accept credit cards...you might check on this when you place the call, if they do it will be another very good reason to use them.

Aishah

Thanks for answer to my question, Shashank. Now all clear, and I shall feel perfectly comfortable using them!

Aishah

Well now having had my four days in Delhi, here are my experiences with Radio Cabs. Since I was met at the airport by a friend with car, didn't need to use them there. There was a long queue at the Easy Cabs counter - obviously people are now preferring them to Police Pre-Paid. The counter was just inside beside the exit door (Domestic Terminal).
The next day I rang Easy Cabs for a taxi at 4.30 p.m. There was a queue of 6 - I waited for 15 mins. then finally got the operator, said 'Ek minute' to hand to Likir House manager to explain my booking and the phone cut. At that point the manager rang the local meter black and green taxi, which came in 10mins. It was dirty, noisy and the driver went round in circles to my destination. Finally got there more than 20 mins. longer than it should have taken.
Next day I tried a gain with Delhi Cabs. I booked a taxi for 11.45 a.m. A very easy telephone conversation, good English speaking. I had to duck out to the ATM nearby at 11 a.m. and the taxi was already waiting! I spoke to the driver,told him where I was and he moved the taxi closer in position and waited till I came out again. Taxi spotlessly clean, very comfortable and the driver most courteous. I used Delhi Cabs again to go to the Airport - again, nice, clean cab, polite driver. Would recommend them wholeheartedly. As far as telephone booking went they were by far the easiest compared to Easy Cabs.
It is really necessary to have a mobile, because there is ringing back and confirming cab no. etc. If you want to go out elsewhere before they come, then you need to be contactable by phone. You could stay at home and use landline. I don't think practicable without mobile if you are travelling by train.

shashank.aggarwal

Thanks a ton Aishah for your feedback.. .I hope this will give more confidence to IMers in using this service..

I am sure you would have noticed no haggling, no problems with operating by meter, no problems with amount of luggage..

After the Delhi Metro, this is one service I feel that is world class in our City..

Aishah

Absolutely no haggling, and very courteous, cleanly presented drivers - unlike the green,yellow and black cabs where the drivers look drunk and slobby, unkempt etc. Meter is started as cab takes off, is not running until you and all luggage are inside. Also the driver helps with luggage. Other taxis you have to do much yourself. Would agree with you, Shashank, this is a good service.

henri_hks

How about to compare with Radio Cabs and calling hotel pick-up from airport to main bazar budget hotels? (By money, safety and time)

Aishah

Radio Cabs will be cheaper - hotel pick-up is convenient and less waiting for first time travellers. The same service will be there for both and no running around with scams on either side.