If you are a frequent traveller, especially for business, be introduced to Blacklane, a professional driver service based in Europe, but offering limousine hire and chauffeur services in over 180 cities in 50 countries, including Singapore.
Cost varies depending on distance travelled and other factors. What I really like is that the cost is very transparent. You can calculate the cost and pay for your booking online directly via credit cards, just like how we purchase airline tickets. This is especially handy when it comes to booking overseas airports and hotels transfers. No bill shock and no need to haggle with the driver on the prices if they go the wrong way or got lost.
In fact, Blacklane guarantees low, fixed and all-inclusive rates with licensed and insured drivers, confirmed at the moment you book. Blacklane never charges additional fees, taxes, tolls, surges or gratuities.
One-way or hourly rides can be scheduled with Blacklane from an hour’s notice to months ahead of time. Booking can also be done for yourself or someone else.
For my last family vacation to Boracay in the Philippines, I arranged for a pick-up from our home to Changi Airport with their First Class sedan and another pick-up from Changi Airport to our home with their Business Van/SUV:
How Blacklane works
1. Make a booking online or via mobile
Booking can be done online or via Blacklane’s mobile app. Enter your pick-up and drop-off locations or the number of hours you wish to book a car and driver for. Indicate your desired pick-up time, select your preferred car class (Business Class, Business Van/SUV, First Class) which best suits your needs and budget, then make payment. Note that the displayed rate includes all taxes, tolls and tip.
2. Receive booking confirmation
After booking, you will receive an email indicating that your ride request has been received. Blacklane will then let you know as soon as they have found the perfect driver for your trip. All very intuitive and convenient.
3. Get connected with your assigned driver and car
On the day of the booked ride, I received two emails and SMS updates – one informing me that your car is on its way, and a second letting me know as soon as my driver has arrived at the pick-up location. Each ride includes 15 minutes’ waiting time for standard pick-ups and 1 hour for airport pick-ups. Even if the driver has arrived early, your included waiting time starts from the time you booked your ride.
I think the key unique selling proposition of Blacklane is the fixed, all-inclusive rates which they offer. It saves the hassle of bargaining and arguing with dishonest drivers. Also, if you fly frequently and do not wish to carry too much foreign currencies on hand, the bookings and payments can all be made online prior to the trips.
Visit Blacklane’s official website to find out more about their services.
