Booking a Cab on an App

Rahul needs to reach a meeting on time and books a cab using a mobile app, choosing the vehicle type and payment method.

Meanings in Rahul, Cab driver

Key words and phrases

cab appa mobile application used to book ridesHe booked a ride on the cab app.

pickup pointthe location where a passenger is collectedPlease set your pickup point on the map.

drop locationthe destination where the passenger will be leftEnter your drop location before confirming.

fare estimatethe approximate cost shown before booking a rideThe fare estimate was around two hundred rupees.

cancelto call off a bookingHe had to cancel the ride due to a change of plan.

ratinga score given to a driver or service after the rideHe gave the driver a five-star rating.

OTPa one-time code used to confirm identity or start a rideShare the OTP with the driver to start the trip.

wallet balancemoney stored in an app for paymentsHe paid using his wallet balance.

surge pricingtemporarily higher prices during high demandFares were higher due to surge pricing.

share the tripto send live location details of a ride to someoneShe shared the trip with her sister for safety.

vehicle typethe category of car offered, such as mini, sedan, or SUVHe selected the sedan vehicle type for extra comfort.

driver's locationthe current position of the assigned driver shown on the mapThe app showed the driver's location approaching fast.

estimated time of arrivalthe expected time for the cab or passenger to reach a placeThe estimated time of arrival was six minutes.

toll chargesextra fees added to a fare for crossing toll roadsToll charges were added to the final fare.

promo codea code entered to get a discount on a rideShe applied a promo code to save fifty rupees.

trip historya record of all past rides taken through the appHe checked his trip history to find the receipt.

driver assignedthe notification that a specific driver has accepted the rideA driver assigned notification popped up within seconds.

vehicle numberthe registration number of the assigned cabHe checked the vehicle number before getting in.

cash paymentpaying for a ride with physical money instead of onlineHe chose cash payment instead of the wallet.

routethe path taken by the driver to reach the destinationThe driver took a shorter route to avoid traffic.

Useful sentences

Ask Can you book a cab for me right now?
Answer Sure, I'm setting your pickup point now.
Ask What's the fare estimate for this trip?
Answer It shows around two hundred rupees.
Ask Why is the fare higher than usual?
Answer There's surge pricing right now due to high demand.
Ask Should I share my trip with someone?
Answer Yes, it's safer to share it with a family member.
Ask Can I cancel this booking?
Answer Yes, but a small cancellation fee may apply.
Ask What is the vehicle number of the assigned cab?
Answer It's showing MH12 AB 4567 on the app.
Ask How much longer until the driver arrives?
Answer The estimated time of arrival is six minutes.
Ask Will there be any toll charges on this route?
Answer Yes, a small toll will be added to the final fare.
Ask Do you have any promo code to apply?
Answer Yes, it will save us fifty rupees on this ride.
Ask How do you want to pay for the ride?
Answer I'll use my wallet balance instead of cash.

Dialogue

RahulI need a cab urgently for a meeting downtown.

FriendJust open the app and enter your pickup and drop location.

RahulDone, but the fare shows surge pricing right now.

FriendThat happens during peak hours, it should reduce in a bit.

RahulOkay, I've booked it. Let me share the trip with you too.

FriendGood idea, stay safe and let me know once you arrive.

RahulA driver has been assigned. His vehicle number is MH12 AB 4567.

FriendGreat, check the driver's rating too before he arrives.

RahulHe has a 4.8 rating, that's reassuring.

FriendPerfect, message me once you reach the meeting.

Common mistakes

Saying "call a cab" and "book a cab" as always the same — call a cab often means hailing one on the street, book a cab means using an app in advance.
Saying "the price is surge" instead of "there is surge pricing" or "the fare has surged."
Saying "share my location for someone" instead of "share my location with someone."
Saying "I am boarding the cab" instead of "I am getting into the cab" — boarding is used for buses, trains, or flights, not cabs.
Saying "give me toll charge" instead of "there is a toll charge" or "the toll charge is added to the fare."
Saying "my wallet has finished" instead of "my wallet balance is low" or "my wallet balance is over."

Quick quiz

1. What is a "pickup point"?

2. Temporarily higher prices during high demand are called ___.

3. Complete: "Share the ___ with the driver to start the trip."

4. What is a "vehicle type" in a cab app?

5. Complete: "He checked his ___ to find the receipt."

6. What does "drop location" mean?

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