Three of Dublin’s biggest taxi firms have joined forces to launch a new app that allows users to order, track and pay for their taxis through their mobile phone or smart device.

The eCab app, which is a collaboration between Xpert Taxis, National Radio Cabs and VIP Taxis, aims to provide a “more professional and higher quality taxi service”.

With an estimated 10,000 taxis operating across the county, Dublin has more taxis per person than any other major European city.

The collaboration between the three taxi firms means close to 2,000 cars will be readily available to drop and collect customers in the greater Dublin area.

All eCab taxi drivers are Garda vetted and undertake induction training through the participating taxi companies.

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Críona Ní Dhálaigh, welcomed the initiative saying it will enhance public safety.

“I am also pleased that three of Dublin’s leading taxi firms are setting the standards for the Irish taxi market and that eCabs is helping to consolidate the industry, while offering customers greater choice,” she said.

Laurent Kennel, CEO of eCab, said: “Until now, around the globe, technology has outpaced the taxi industry and regulatory bodies, all at the customer’s expense.”

Through eCab, an international alliance of leading taxi companies has formed, ensuring a consistent and positive user experience whether the customer is in Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam or Vancouver.

Now operating in 12 cities across five countries, eCab plans to expand its operations across all major Irish cities over the coming months.