New UK app Cabbidder brings competitive bidding to airport transfers, aiming to cut costs for passengers and reduce dead mileage for drivers

(NEWS) LONDON, 2025-Sep-6 — /Travel PR News/ — A new travel app, Cabbidder, has entered the UK market with the aim of reshaping how passengers book airport transfers and long-distance taxi journeys, according to a press release just published on TravelPRNews.com. Instead of calling multiple firms and comparing inconsistent quotes, customers can now publish their journey details once through the app and receive competing offers from licensed Hackney and Private Hire operators nationwide.

The service is designed to address a familiar problem for travellers: uncertainty around pricing, limited choice, and the time-consuming process of booking. With Cabbidder, passengers specify dates, passenger numbers, luggage, car seat requirements, and vehicle type. Operators then respond with tailored offers, allowing users to compare options and select the most suitable one.

Founder Matt Young described the app’s mission as twofold: giving customers more control and confidence when booking important journeys, while also helping drivers make better use of their time and vehicles. “It’s about fairer prices, less hassle, and smarter travel for everyone involved,” he said.

Unlike on-demand ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Bolt, or Free Now, which automatically assign drivers at pre-set or surge-inflated rates, Cabbidder operates more like a bidding marketplace. This model introduces greater transparency and competition for customers, particularly in the £9 billion UK taxi and private hire market. While Uber and similar platforms dominate urban trips, Cabbidder focuses on pre-planned, longer journeys where price differences can be significant.

Early feedback suggests customers are saving up to 20% on airport transfers compared to standard quotes. For drivers, the platform offers another benefit: fewer empty return trips. A common challenge for taxi operators is “dead mileage” after dropping off passengers at airports, but by matching trips in both directions, Cabbidder helps maximise efficiency.

Still, the competitive nature of bidding could introduce pressure on fares. Multiple operators vying for the same booking may drive down prices, improving customer value but narrowing margins for drivers. However, increased booking volume and reduced wasted mileage may balance the equation, potentially leading to more sustainable earnings for those who use the platform strategically.

By working exclusively with licensed Hackney and Private Hire operators, Cabbidder also positions itself as a partner to traditional firms rather than a disruptor replacing them. This may resonate in a sector where large tech platforms have faced criticism for sidelining established operators.

With a growing network of drivers already joining and travellers reporting positive early experiences, Cabbidder is positioning itself as a complementary alternative to mainstream ride-hailing apps — one focused on planning ahead, fair pricing, and mutual benefit for customers and drivers alike. The app is now available for free download on both the App Store and Google Play.

To learn more, you can read the official press release or visit their website at cabbidder.com.