How to Start a Taxi Corporation? A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
- Damian Brzeski
- Dec 15, 2024
- 17 min read
Do you dream of starting your own taxi corporation? Establishing such a company is an ideal solution for people who want to develop their business as a taxi driver or try their hand at being an intermediary in passenger transport.
Today we will focus on how to set up your own taxi corporation step by step, regardless of whether you plan to run a sole proprietorship or a larger company with a fleet of vehicles.
Not all steps will be necessary in your case – a lot depends on the scale of your business, your market niche and your legal form.
Ready for this journey? Check out the detailed instructions and take the first step towards your own business!
Business registration - the first step to establishing a taxi company
Registration of the PKD 49.32.Z code – the key to the legal provision of taxi services
Technical and organizational requirements - the foundation of a taxi company
Taxi Marketing and Development – How to Stand Out on the Market
SEO and PPC campaigns - what you need to know when creating a taxi corporation
Business registration - the first step to establishing a taxi company
If you dream of starting a taxi company or plan to act as a passenger transport intermediary, formal business registration is an absolute must.
Without this, you can't do anything! How to go about it? Check out the key steps that will help you launch your own business.
1. Choose the right form of business activity
The first step is to decide what legal form you will operate your business in. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends on your needs and business plans.
Sole proprietorship (Sole Proprietorship)
This is the simplest and most popular option for people who are just starting out. The registration procedure is quick and free, and the costs of running it are low. But be careful – in a JDG, the owner is liable for the company's obligations with all of his or her assets.
Civil partnership
Ideal if you plan to operate with a partner. To establish a civil partnership, you need at least two people who will run the business together.
The downside, however, is the partners' liability for the company's debts - just like in a sole proprietorship, it covers their personal assets.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
This is the safest form of business because the owners are responsible for the company's obligations only up to the amount of the contribution made.
The downside, however, is the higher registration costs (e.g. entry in the National Court Register) and more complicated accounting. This is a good option if you plan to operate on a larger scale or run a transport company with a larger number of vehicles and drivers.
2. Registration of the PKD code 49.32.Z – the key to the legal provision of taxi services
When registering a company, you must assign it the appropriate PKD code. If you plan to provide taxi services , the appropriate code is PKD 49.32.Z , which applies to the operation of passenger taxis.
This code should be entered in the registration form in CEIDG (for self-employed persons or civil partnerships) or in the KRS (for limited liability companies).
Remember that if you want to expand your business, e.g. to advertising in taxis, you can add other PKD codes, e.g. 73.12.C – Mediation in the sale of advertising space in print media .
Adding additional codes at the beginning of registration will allow you to flexibly develop your business without having to submit later requests to update your data.
3. CEIDG or KRS? Choose the right registration
Depending on the chosen form of business, you must register your company in the appropriate register:
CEIDG: Registration in the Central Register and Information on Economic Activity is intended for sole proprietorships and civil partnerships . It is free and very convenient - you can do it online in a few minutes.
KRS: If you decide to have a limited liability company, you must register it in the National Court Register (KRS) . The costs are around PLN 600 (PLN 350 for entry in the KRS and PLN 250 for an announcement in the Court and Economic Monitor). The application can be submitted electronically via the S24 system.
Registering a company is just the beginning, but a very important step on the way to running your own business.
Choose the form of business that best suits your needs – whether it is a sole proprietorship or a limited liability company.
Then register the PKD code 49.32.Z and go after your dreams of your own taxi company! 🚖
Obtaining a license to mediate in passenger transport – what do you need to know?
If you are thinking about opening a taxi corporation that acts as an intermediary in transmitting orders, a key step is to obtain the appropriate license.
Polish law clearly defines the requirements for such companies, regardless of whether they handle orders via a mobile app, dispatch center or online platform. What does the procedure look like? Here is the most important information.
1. Who must have a license to act as a passenger transport intermediary?
A brokerage license is mandatory for any company that:
Organizes and coordinates passenger transport by passenger cars,
Provides intermediary services between clients and taxi drivers, e.g. via mobile applications, telephone switchboards or online platforms.
Without this license, operating a business is illegal and can result in severe penalties. Want to operate legally? Start by getting this document.
2. Formal requirements for obtaining a license
Fulfilling the formal requirements is a key step to obtaining a license. Here's what you need to prepare:
Register your business with the appropriate PKD code (49.32.Z – passenger taxi business). If you have not registered your business yet, return to the instructions in the previous section.
No tax arrears or ZUS contributions – you can obtain the necessary certificate from the appropriate offices (US and ZUS).
An order handling system , e.g. a mobile app, a booking system or a telephone switchboard. This is an absolute requirement – the broker must have an infrastructure that allows for the effective receipt and transmission of orders.
License application – submitted to the city hall or district office (depending on the company’s location).
3. What is the procedure for obtaining a license to act as a passenger transport intermediary?
Obtaining a license requires a few formal steps. Here's what you need to do:
1. Complete the license application.
You can find the document template on the websites of city or district offices. You can submit the application in person, by mail or electronically.
2. Attach required documents.
The attachment package should include:
Certificate of no criminal record,
Confirmation of no arrears to ZUS and the tax office,
Documentation of the infrastructure handling orders (e.g. mobile application or booking system).
3. Pay for the license.
The cost of obtaining a license depends on its validity period – it usually ranges from PLN 700 to PLN 1,000 for 10 years. This is a small investment compared to the potential benefits of running an intermediary business.
4. Obligations of the intermediary under the law
Obtaining a license is just the beginning. As a passenger transport agent, you must comply with a number of regulations, including:
Maintaining a register of transport orders in accordance with the Lex Uber Act of 2020. Each order must be documented and kept for a specified period of time.
Collecting data about drivers who work with you. This includes, among others , driver's license number, vehicle details, as well as information about third party and personal accident insurance.
Driver license verification to ensure that every driver working for your company is operating legally.
5. Lex Uber – what did the law change?
Since January 2020, the “Lex Uber” law has introduced additional requirements for passenger transport intermediaries, including:
The obligation to maintain a business register in the system of the Ministry of Infrastructure ,
Requirement for each cooperating driver to have both a taxi passenger transport license and a registered electronic taximeter or an application with a taximeter function.
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in serious financial penalties, so it is important to ensure your business is compliant with the regulations.
legality is the basis
Obtaining a license to mediate in passenger transport is one of the most important steps in building your taxi company.
Thanks to it, you can legally operate a taxi , cooperating with drivers and serving customers using modern technologies such as mobile applications or booking systems.
Remember that as an intermediary you are obliged to monitor cooperating drivers and document orders.
Passenger transport license, taximeter legalization , registration in CEIDG or KRS - all this makes up a solid foundation for your business. Bet on legality and professionalism - this is the key to success in the taxi industry! 🚖
Technical and organizational requirements - the foundation of your taxi company
If you want your taxi corporation to operate efficiently as an intermediary in passenger transport, the appropriate technical and organizational infrastructure is the key to success.
Here's what you need to do to ensure the highest quality of customer service and fleet management efficiency.
IT system for order management
Modern taxi corporations base their operations on modern IT solutions.
Thanks to them, you can effectively serve customers, manage drivers and carry out taxi transport . What should such a system contain?
Mobile app for customers and drivers
The application should enable:
Request rides, track your route and view your driver's arrival time
Online payments (payment cards, Blik) and evaluation of services provided
GPS and map integration (e.g. Google Maps) are a must-have for quick route finding
Platform for dispatchers
Dispatchers need a tool that will make it easier to accept telephone orders and manage the fleet in real time. Popular solutions include iTaxi, OptiTaxi and TaxiCaller.
Analytical background
Trip statistics, financial reports and fleet load analysis are essential for running a business. This way you know which elements require optimization.
Office equipment and technical support
Efficient operation of a company requires not only software, but also appropriate hardware and infrastructure:
Servers or Cloud: All customer and driver data must be stored securely, in compliance with GDPR regulations. Using the cloud can reduce costs.
Telephone lines or VOIP: Telephone customer service is still an important communication channel. VOIP systems are cheaper and more scalable, making them an ideal solution for businesses in the transportation industry.
Office Equipment: Ergonomic workstations, computers, printers and monitors are the absolute minimum for the dispatch team. Remember that employee comfort affects their efficiency.
Fleet management and driver cooperation
Your fleet of vehicles is the heart of your business, and cooperation with drivers is crucial to the smooth functioning of your company. Each car in your fleet should have current third-party liability and accident insurance, meet technical requirements and be equipped with an electronic taximeter or an application compliant with applicable regulations.
Equally important is the cooperation itself with drivers, who can operate as independent contractors or be employed under a contract.
The company should provide them with training in the use of IT systems and customer contact standards, which will translate into better quality of services provided.
It is also important to create transparent terms of cooperation that will help build driver trust and loyalty, which are key to the long-term success of the company.
Financial infrastructure
Without efficient financial solutions, no company has a chance of success. In the taxi industry, convenient payment systems for customers and a transparent model of settlements with drivers are of key importance.
One of the priorities should be the integration of payment systems , which will respond to the needs of modern customers. Today's passengers expect flexibility , so it is worth accepting various forms of payment: cash, payment cards, Blik or payments made directly in the application.
Such solutions not only increase customer satisfaction, but also improve the company's competitiveness on the market.
Equally important is a well-designed system of settlements with drivers . Transparent rules of commission, e.g. charging 20% of each trip as a fee for intermediating in passenger transport, will ensure clarity and honesty in business relations.
Regular reports on the number of orders and revenues achieved will allow drivers to better plan their activities and increase their trust in the corporation.
Transparency in this matter is key to building lasting relationships with business partners.
Taxi company finances – the key to customer and driver satisfaction
In the taxi industry, well-planned financial solutions are the foundation of success. Proper management of payments and settlements affects both customer convenience and driver trust, which ultimately translates into the smooth functioning of the entire company.
One of the priorities should be the integration of payment systems that meet the expectations of modern passengers. Customers expect flexibility, so it is worth offering various forms of payment: cash, payment cards, Blik and payments made directly in the application.
Thanks to this, you will increase customer satisfaction and strengthen your position on the market, becoming more competitive.
Equally important is the system of settlements with drivers , which should be transparent and fair. For example, setting a commission of 20% of each trip as a fee for mediating in passenger transport will allow for clear and fair rules of cooperation.
Additionally, regular reports on the number of orders and generated revenues will help drivers better plan their activities.
Transparency in finance not only increases trust in the company, but also builds long-term business relationships and partnerships.
Well-managed finances are not only a matter of efficient operation of the company, but also the key to its development and gaining a competitive advantage.
Marketing and development of a taxi company – how to effectively stand out on the market?
The passenger transport industry is a market full of challenges and high competition. Effective marketing and thoughtful development are the key to the success of every taxi company.
Below you will find the most important strategies that will help you increase your visibility, attract customers and grow your business.
1. Branding and building brand recognition
First impressions matter – make sure your business is not only noticeable but also memorable. How to achieve this?
Company Name and Logo: Choose a name that evokes transportation, speed, or convenience, such as “Express Taxi” or “Zoom Ride.” A unique logo will emphasize professionalism and set you apart from the competition.
Mobile advertising – car wrapping: Equip vehicles with stickers with the company logo, contact number and advertising slogan. Each car becomes a mobile business card that attracts the attention of potential customers.
Website and mobile app: A modern, intuitive website is essential. Even better if you offer a mobile app that allows for quick ride booking, route tracking and online payments. This solution will be appreciated especially by younger customers.
2. Effective marketing strategies
Good marketing is not only about investing in advertising, but also building relationships with customers and reaching new audiences.
Internet Marketing
Run Google Ads and Facebook Ads campaigns targeting local users who are looking for rides in their area.
Take care of your SEO positioning so that your website appears high in search results for phrases such as "taxi [city]" or "taxi transport".
Maintain active social media profiles – especially Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. These are great tools to attract younger customers and showcase the benefits of your services.
Promotions and loyalty programs
Offer discounts for new customers using the app or website. Introduce a points program where customers receive points for every ride that can be redeemed for free rides.
3. Building relationships with customers
A satisfied customer is the best advertisement, which is why top-level service is an absolute must.
Customer service: Quick complaint handling, flexibility in adjusting the route and courtesy of drivers are key elements in building customer loyalty.
Driver Rating System: Enabling customers to rate drivers and service quality is a way to monitor performance and eliminate potential problems. Drivers with high ratings can be additionally rewarded, which will positively affect their motivation.
4. Cooperation with companies and institutions
Don't limit yourself to individual customers - cooperation with local companies and institutions can significantly increase your revenues.
Corporate Contracts: Offer transportation for employees in the evenings or as permanent contracts. This is a steady source of income that will increase the financial stability of your company.
Partnerships with hotels and restaurants: Local hotels, restaurants and other service providers are happy to recommend trusted carriers to their customers. It’s worth partnering with such places to gain new passengers.
5. Expansion of business and development of services
For a company to grow, it is worth looking for new opportunities and investing in the future.
Additional services: Expand your offer to include courier shipments, shopping by phone or animal transport. Customers will appreciate the flexibility and variety of your services.
Geographic expansion: Consider expanding your business to surrounding communities, especially where there is less competition and demand for passenger transportation services is growing.
Ecological solutions: Investing in electric or hybrid vehicles is not only a way to reduce fuel costs, but also to build the image of an environmentally friendly company.
Marketing is the heart of every taxi company. With the right promotion strategy, modern tools and attention to customer relations, you can effectively stand out on the market and grow your business.
Remember that in addition to promotion, it is also important to invest in new services and technologies - it is innovation that often determines success in the transport industry. 🚖
What is SEO and what are PPC campaigns and why do you need to know this when creating your taxi corporation?
Running your own taxi company these days requires an online presence. This is where customers look for transport and make decisions about choosing a specific company.
That’s why it’s important to understand two key concepts of internet marketing: SEO and PPC . Both can play a huge role in building your company’s visibility and attracting customers.
SEO - Your way to high search engine positions
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of making your website appear higher in Google search results.
What does this mean in practice? If someone types “taxi [city]” or “taxi services” into a search engine, your business could be one of the first results the customer sees.
And the higher you are in the search engine, the greater your chances of attracting new passengers.
Why is SEO important?
Increases your business visibility – Customers rarely look at the second or third page of search results. If your site appears high, it is more likely to be visited.
Works in the long term – Once a website is well optimized, it can bring benefits for a long time without any additional investment.
Generates organic traffic – Thanks to SEO, you do not pay for every click on a link to your website, which reduces the costs of acquiring a customer.
How does SEO work in practice?
Keywords : Identify the phrases your potential customers are typing, such as "taxi company," "taxi services in [city]," or "cheapest taxi." Incorporate them into your website content and service descriptions.
High-quality content : Regularly publish valuable content, such as passenger guides, route information, or benefits of your services. Google likes pages that offer something useful to users.
Local SEO : Register your business with Google My Business to show up in Google Maps and local results. This is especially important for businesses that operate in a specific location.
PPC Campaigns – A Quick Way to Acquire Customers
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) , or paid-per-click advertising, is a method that allows you to immediately reach potential customers.
Unlike SEO, which takes time, PPC campaigns bring results immediately after they are launched. These ads appear in the Google search engine (Google Ads) or on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.
Why is it worth investing in PPC campaigns?
Instant results – Your ads appear at the top of search results, increasing the chances that a customer will choose your business.
Precise targeting – You can set up your ads to reach residents of a specific city or even a neighborhood, so your offer reaches people who really need taxi services in your area.
Flexible budget – You decide how much you want to spend on your campaign, which allows you to adjust costs to your company's capabilities.
How does PPC work in practice?
Google Ads : Set your ads to keywords like “taxi [city]” or “fast taxi services.” This will help your business appear at the top of search results.
Facebook and Instagram Ads : Create engaging advertising posts and target people in your location. You can add photos of your vehicles, promotional slogans, or information about discounts for new customers.
TikTok Ads : This is a great tool if you want to reach younger users. Short, creative videos promoting your services can grab their attention.
SEO or PPC – what to choose?
SEO and PPC campaigns are two different approaches to promotion, but together they create an extremely effective marketing strategy.
By operating in parallel in both channels, you can not only increase the efficiency of your activities, but also significantly reduce the costs of customer acquisition. Here's why it's worth combining them and how to do it.
Immediate results with PPC: If you want quick results, PPC (Pay-Per-Click) campaigns are the best choice. They will allow you to generate traffic to your website immediately and gain your first customers. This is a great option for a start or in situations when you want to advertise special promotions or new services.
SEO – an investment in the future: If you think long-term, opt for SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Optimizing your site for search engines will allow you to increase your visibility in Google's organic results, which will eventually reduce the cost of acquiring customers. SEO is an activity that builds a lasting position for your company on the Internet.
Optimal Strategy – Combining SEO and PPC: You will achieve the best results by combining both methods. PPC campaigns can attract traffic immediately, while SEO will gradually build your visibility in organic results. With this approach, your company will be present on multiple channels at the same time, which will not only increase your reach but also improve your return on investment (ROI).
By operating multi-channel – in Google Ads, social media and organic search results – you will gain an advantage over the competition.
SEO and PPC are a duo that work best together: PPC complements SEO, and SEO reduces the costs of PPC advertising. The joint work of these methods is the key to achieving success in the taxi industry. 🚖
Why do you need to know this when running a taxi business?
Today in this digital world, most customers search for services on the internet. SEO and PPC are the basic tools that allow you to gain an advantage over your competitors.
When running a taxi company or offering a passenger transport brokerage , you need to be where your customers are – on Google, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. By investing in these strategies, you build not only brand recognition but also a solid foundation for long-term success.
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Here is an improved version of the summary, enriched with keywords that were not used before.
Summary and most important steps to establish a taxi corporation
Establishing a taxi corporation that acts as an intermediary in passenger transport is a multi-step process that requires knowledge of regulations, investment in infrastructure and effective marketing. Below I present the key steps that will allow you to successfully establish a taxi company .
1. Legal and registration formalities
Safety and compliance are the foundation of any transport company. Here's what to look for when you start:
Get a License: To operate a passenger transport business, you must obtain a license to broker transport and ensure that all drivers you work with have the appropriate permits, including a taxi driver's license . Licenses are a basic legal requirement without which it is impossible to provide taxi services.
Report your business activity: Regardless of whether you choose sole proprietorship , civil partnership or limited liability company , it is necessary to report the appropriate PKD code 49.32.Z – passenger taxi activity.
Taximeter legalization: Each car cooperating with a taxi company must be equipped with an electronic taximeter , which is subject to regular legalization. This is crucial to provide legal taxi transport in accordance with the law.
2. Preparing the infrastructure
Technical and organizational infrastructure is the next important step in establishing a taxi company .
Fleet management systems: Investing in a mobile application, a platform for dispatchers and an analytical system will allow you to effectively manage orders and ensure the quality of services.
Office and technology resources: Equip your office with the right tools, such as computers, a VOIP system, and servers for storing data in line with GDPR . Your company should also have the infrastructure to handle electronic payments.
3. Recruitment and cooperation with drivers
When working with drivers, remember that their competences and preparation are the showcase of your company.
Hiring drivers: Every taxi driver who wants to work with you must have a valid taxi license , as well as appropriate medical and psychotechnical examinations. Drivers can be employed under an employment contract or work as independent contractors.
Driver training: Provide training on application usage and customer service standards. It is also worth considering road transport training or road transport training , which will increase the professionalism of your team.
4. Effective Marketing and Business Development
In the transportation industry, visibility counts, which is why online marketing should be a priority.
Online promotion: Invest in PPC campaigns such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads to reach local customers, and take care of SEO so that your website ranks high in search results (e.g. for phrases such as "taxi [city]" or "taxi transport").
Expand your offer: Offer additional passenger transport services , such as courier shipments, animal transport or shopping by phone. The flexibility of the offer allows you to reach a larger number of customers.
5. Adapting business to market requirements
The transport industry is changing dynamically, so it is worth responding to new trends.
Eco-friendly solutions: Investing in electric or hybrid cars can attract customers who value companies that care about the environment.
Development of services and new directions: Plan to expand to nearby towns where there is less competition. Also consider expanding your business with additional services, such as VIP transport or dedicated courses for companies.
The key to success – a well-thought-out strategy and development
If you want to become a taxi driver or create a company providing services in the transport industry, remember to thoroughly prepare and have an appropriate plan of action.
Success requires both knowledge of the regulations and investment in infrastructure and marketing.
Regardless of whether you run a business or a large commercial company , your commitment and innovation will be the key to building a competitive position on the market.
Don't forget about ongoing quality control - check whether drivers have all the required licenses and tests, and also take care of the legalization of the taximeter . Thanks to this, your company will be not only professional, but also trustworthy. 🚖
Why is it worth starting your own business?
Creating a taxi corporation is a challenge, but also a huge opportunity to develop your own business. Properly running a transport company can bring stable income and satisfaction from building a brand. If you approach it with passion and commitment, you can create a company that will stand out from the competition.
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