Kangaroo Cabs.

Kangaroo Cabs is one of the oldest and most professional cab services in Sri Lanka. They’re also one of the more expensive, but you get what you pay for. They have a new app, which is what we’re reviewing here.

The App

Ordering a cab can be a real pain, what with giving your name and address over and over again on the phone. Kangaroo is more efficient than most in that the call center remember who you are and they use SMS, etc to send you details.

They also have an app (iOS/Android) which we tried out. The app is pretty simple. You basically fill out your details (name, address) which is then stored in your history or favorites (so you don’t have to keep entering). You can also choose current location, which seems to pull up the street address, you don’t drop a pin on a map or anything.

You can also choose from popular location, which includes most restaurants, nightclubs, etc. This is a cool idea and seemed to have most of the places we’d be at.

Then you click Reserve Taxi and the order goes through. You get an SMS almost instantly. We somehow ordered twice on accident so they called to make sure we just meant one cab. Beyond that we’re not sure if they call at all. We placed the order at 12:56. Our cab arrived at 13:12 (16 minutes later). Not bad. When it arrived the driver just called. Our office address is not super logical to find, but they were right outside.

The Cab

Kangaroo Cabs are usually pretty nice, in our case it was a Toyota Prius (hybrid). We’ve also travelled in Allions, etc. The driver was nice, the cab didn’t smell like he’d been sleeping in it, it was fine. The driver knew where we were going and it was basically a painless ride.

There’s no GPS in the cabs as far as we could see, and he had a dumb phone. The app service is not something like Uber which connects you directly with a driver. Your order goes to the regular Kangaroo dispatch which then calls the driver (we presume). On one had this is less efficient and cool, but it made no difference to my experience. I’ve taken Uber cabs in New York and they can take 15 minutes or more to arrive. You do get to see the cab on a map, which is cool, but a Kangaroo cab picks you up just the same.

The benefit of the Kangaroo system is that it offers higher security. The cabs are all tracked via GPS and monitored by the central dispatch. Such a system doesn’t scale as easily as Uber, but it can provide reliable and safe service in Colombo.

The Price

Taking a Kangaroo cab is more expensive than taking a trishaw, nano or van (obviously). It costs Rs. 230 for the first 3km and Rs. 74 per kilometer thereafter. In my case I was going from office to home which was less than 3km, so my fare ended up being Rs. 230. 

Kangaroo is a case of value for money. If I’m doing a short run and I’m on the street I’ll hail a trishaw. The ride from office to home would usually cost about Rs. 150 that way. If, however, I want to show up at a meeting in decent condition or I’m with someone Kangaroo is a much better option. Also at night or in places away from a main road, calling a Kangaroo can spare you walking or hanging out on the road until a tuk comes by.

Finally, at night or for women traveling alone, a registered, dispatched and tracked cab like this is always safer.

The app is cool because I can just be sitting at work, hit a few buttons and then get a call when the cab arrives. Calling Kangaroo is also pretty easy, but the app makes it just a bit simpler.

Conclusion

Kangaroo is not the cheapest form of transport, but it’s reliable, safe, comfortable and, with the introduction of their new app, quite modern. We think it’s probably the most professional cab service in Colombo.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide