In recent years, the trend to use self drive cars (and not auto pilot cars ) when going on vacation/trip with friends and family has picked up in India as well. Self-driving cars offer the convenience of being able to travel at your own pace, without the need for a driver. On the other hand, taxi rental service or taxis offer a more traditional way of transportation, where cars are driven by a professional driver. When deciding between the two options, there are several factors to consider.
Cost:
While there is a common notion that Self Drive cars cost a lot less than the traditional taxi service, this is far from the truth. Let me explain with an example/data I analyzed from different self drive car service providers.
Let’s take ‘Maruti Swift Dzire’ for our case study –
| Description | Self Drive Cost | Taxi Service |
| Basic Fare per day | 3500 | 3500 (All Inclusive – Driver, Fuel, Parking, Toll) |
| Fuel Cost – Assuming you run 150 kms per day | 750 | Included |
| Tolls (avg per day) | 150 | Included |
| Parking | 100 | Included |
| Driver Allowance | 0 | Included |
| Total | 4500 | 3500 |
Daily Run Average: A 5 day trip from Jammu to Kashmir and back, visiting Katra, Patnitop, Pahalgam, Sonamary, Gulmarg, Local Sightseeing in Srinagar will be around 900 to 1000 kms. And it usually takes you around 5-6 days. So on average you are running 150 kms.
Tolls – It will come around 900 for the entire 6 day trip.
Parking – At every place you need to pay to park.
Convenience:
At the outset, one will feel that it is convenient to travel in your car or self drive cars but in reality it is more troublesome, as you have to worry about driving carefully and finding a place to park is a nightmare across India and Jammu or Srinagar is no different.
Hiring a Taxi from a trusted Tax service provider offers many benefits including having a professional driver who is trained and licensed to operate a vehicle in hilly terrain. This can be particularly important if you are traveling in an unfamiliar area or if you have special needs that require assistance.
Flexibility:
This is one area where you have little more flexibility when going with Self Drive cars over Taxi or Cab. For instance, if you plan to go out early in the morning or very late at night, which in place in Srinagar is not advisable. You don’t have to worry about coordinating with Driver.
On the other hand, the cabs provided by cab rental providers in Jammu or srinagar, are driven by local, professional drivers who know about the local area and timings. They are very welcoming and will surely be available to pick you up if you want to leave early or go to a place a little late.
Safety:
This is very important and I strongly recommend getting a taxi or car from a taxi service provider in Jammu or Srinagar will offer you a piece of mind and safety. Not everyone drives in hilly terrain, especially when it is raining or snowing, it can be dangerous if you have not driver before in such conditions.
Verdict:
In conclusion, the best way to travel is by hiring a taxi from a professional cab service provider like Jagat Travels.
Jagat Travels is one the highest rated and appreciated Taxi service providers in Jammu, Katra and Srinagar. They have a large and new fleet of cabs, taxis which include Maruti Swift Dzire, Innova Crysta and Tempo Traveller. All vehicles have A/Cs and Heaters to make your travel a comfortable one both in summers and winters.