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A local taxi firm in Medway says its latest app can rival, and even better, anything offered by Uber.

Uber currently works in Medway under a ‘Greater London’ licence - issued by Transport for London - but a motion was recently passed and then unanimously backed by Medway Council.

Uber currently works in Medway under a ‘Greater London’ licence - issued by Transport for London - but a motion was recently passed and then unanimously backed by Medway Council.

The council had argued that by operating without a local license, the global giant was exceeding its mandate and had a case to answer in court.

Founded in 2009, Uber’s ‘tap a button, get a ride’ philosophy is what some people say sets it apart from more traditional taxi companies across the world.

This e-hail service essentially sees a passenger's card details linked to an e-hail account.

No cash changes hands and upon arrival at the destination, the passenger can simply walk out of the car. A receipt is then sent via email.

But Vokes Taxis Medway, which now incorporates Windmill Taxis and Rainham Cabs, have themselves launched what they describe as “a version of that app” that will soon be able to offer “an even better performance” than Uber.

“What we’re offering is a local alternative to Uber,” said Vokes co-owner Mark Robinson.

“Our app can do everything that Uber can do and future revisions will be able to do a lot more. With the new technology deployed by Vokes, customers can also register their credit card or debit card details and book a cab within seconds.

“And of course, there is also the added benefit of having being chauffeured by drivers that are licensed from Medway Council.”

Earlier this year, Vokes had invested a cool £200,000 in an advanced automated dispatch system and the move is already paying off as more and more people are beginning to embrace the new app.

Apart from accepting bookings by app, web and phone, passengers are also able to track their taxi via a smartphone and are made aware of the driver’s name and car registration number.

“Everything we do is under the watchful eye of Medway Council so our new service is properly regulated,” continued Mark.

“Our customers are therefore guaranteed a no hassle, professional service.”

It’s been a busy year for everybody at Vokes.

Back in the summer, the company unveiled a new training academy tailor-made for the taxi industry to help recruit more professional drivers.

The academy has expert training on hand to help candidates understand and pass the necessary criteria to qualify for a taxi license which includes regular health, safety, DBS and driving checks as well as a test to establish that they know their area well.

With over 50 years of experience, Vokes, Windmill and Rainham Cabs serve not only the Medway towns but also connect to airports, ferry ports, channel ports and London.