Artificial intelligence
Agentic Service
Agentic Service
Publiée le December 3, 2025
Agentic Service
Publiée le December 3, 2025
Agentic transportation involves using an agent to order a cab or VTC ride via platforms such as Uber. In the Paris region, the use of mobile applications has become commonplace for getting around quickly. The agent needs to know the options (traditional cab, VTC, carpooling) and pricing models.
Define destination and vehicle type: the user communicates his or her place of departure (current or future) and destination. Some platforms, such as Uber, allow users to choose between different services (UberX, Sedan, Van) depending on the number of passengers and comfort level. The agent checks service availability and price estimates.
Enter the destination in the app: on the order page, the agent enters the address or selects a point of interest (e.g. “Gare de Lyon”). Uber clearly explains how to proceed: open the application, enter the destination in the “Where are you going?” bar, select the service option, then confirm. The agent performs these steps on the user’s behalf.
Check the fare estimate: Uber provides an upfront price that includes various factors: estimated trip time and distance, relative demand (surge), variable costs (tolls, taxes) and regulatory costs. Another company document specifies that pricing includes a base (time and distance), operating costs and a dynamic adjustment in the event of high demand. The agent informs the user of the price and checks that it corresponds to the budget.
Choose payment method: the user can pay by card, PayPal or other means pre-registered on his Uber account. The agent ensures that the payment method is valid and, if necessary, requests authorization to use a new method. According to Uber, payment is automatic: at the end of the ride, the amount is debited and a receipt is sent.
Confirm and track the ride: after confirmation, Uber assigns a driver. The agent can track the vehicle’s arrival in real time on the map, share the ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) with the user and send notifications when the driver is close. Uber emphasizes that the order is completed when the user gets in, and that payment is cashless.
Cancelling a trip: cancellation is generally free of charge within a short time of placing the order (one to two minutes). Beyond that, the platform may charge a fee to compensate the driver. The agent must consult the cancellation policy in the application and inform the user before cancelling.
Change destination: Uber lets you change the destination during the ride, but the price may vary. The agent contacts the driver via the app to confirm the change.
Ratings and tips: after the ride, Uber invites the user to rate the driver and leave an optional tip. The agent must not decide on a tip without the user’s validation.
Price transparency: VTC platforms are required to display an estimated price and applicable conditions. The agent must check whether any surcharges (tolls, airport fees) will apply, to avoid any surprises.
Safety: before boarding, the user must check the vehicle’s license plate and the driver’s name. The agent can transmit this information via the app. Uber provides the driver’s name and photo, vehicle type and plate number.
Availability and peak demand: rates vary according to the time of day (rush hours, nights, events). The agent can suggest postponing the trip or using another mode (traditional cab, public transport) if fares are too high.
Accessibility: options such as Uber Access offer vehicles accessible to people with reduced mobility. The agent must check their availability in Paris and the advance booking required.
Compliance with regulations: in Paris, VTC and cab drivers must hold a license and comply with the Transport Code. Customers have the right to expect a safe vehicle and a professional driver. Should a problem arise (dangerous driving, inappropriate behavior), the user can report the incident via the app and request a refund or investigation.
Anticipate: ordering a VTC a few minutes in advance means shorter waiting times and more options.
Check the address: the agent must specify the pick-up address, especially for streets with several entrances or traffic restrictions.
Keep an eye on the route: it’s advisable to follow the route on the app or via a personal GPS to avoid unnecessary detours.
Use sharing options: the agent can share the live route with a trusted contact for security reasons.
Keep receipts: Uber automatically sends detailed receipts. They can be used as proof in the event of a dispute or to justify business expenses.
Platforms like Uber are subject to consumer law and transport regulations. Prices must be transparent and not misleading. Users can claim a refund if the service has not been provided (for example, if the driver cancels the ride after collecting a fee). Uber explains that the fare is calculated according to precise criteria (distance, duration, request, fee), which confers a degree of predictability. Users can also report inappropriate behavior or dangerous driving. Local authorities (Direction régionale et interdépartementale de l’équipement et de l’aménagement d’Île-de-France) can intervene in the event of serious misconduct.
Agentic Service facilitates travel by entrusting an agent with the booking and monitoring of a journey. Transparency on fares, safety and compliance with regulations are key aspects. The agent must clearly communicate the options available, request authorization for charges, and ensure a comfortable experience by managing the unexpected. By adhering to these principles, users benefit from reliable, efficient transportation.
The urban transport landscape is no longer limited to cabs and VTCs. There are now car-sharing solutions (Blablacar Daily), motorcycle cabs, self-service electric scooters, self-service bicycles (Vélib’), and car-sharing services. An agent needs to understand these alternatives in order to propose options adapted to the context. For example, for a short trip without luggage, a scooter or a free-floating bike can be faster and more economical than a VTC. For a night journey, a conventional cab may be safer, as it has reserved lanes in Paris.
VTCs differ from cabs in their dynamic pricing: a price announced at the time of the order, calculated according to estimated time and distance. Cabs, on the other hand, operate on a metered basis, with fares regulated by prefectoral decree. The agent must therefore compare the two modes to optimize the cost. Car-sharing services allow you to share the fare with other passengers, and are often more environmentally friendly.
New functionalities are being developed: the possibility of sharing the journey with other passengers (Uber Pool), reducing the price and carbon footprint; autonomous vehicles being tested in some cities; artificial intelligence applications that predict waiting time and suggest an earlier departure. Monthly passes offer unlimited journeys or discounts. An agent must monitor these offers to suggest savings. Mobility applications bring together several means of transport (bus, streetcar, bike, VTC) in a single interface, enabling door-to-door trip planning.
Let’s take the example of Nicolas, who has to get to Charles de Gaulle airport from Montrouge on a Monday morning. His agent starts by checking traffic conditions and peak times. He compares the price of a cab and an Uber X: the cab has a fixed fare to the airport, while Uber offers a slightly higher dynamic fare due to demand. The agent then recommends the cab. He books, sends the details (driver’s name, license plate), and monitors arrival. When the cab approaches, he reminds Nicolas to check that the meter is reset to zero. During the journey, the agent monitors the route to ensure that the driver is taking the optimum route, and alerts him to any unwarranted detours.
In another scenario, Léa, a student, wants to travel between two districts for her evening classes. Her agent compares a trip by VTC, bus and scooter. The scooter is fast, but the weather forecast calls for rain. The agent opts for a shared VTC, reducing costs and providing shelter. He also offers a subway option if Lea wants to avoid traffic. This case illustrates the need to integrate weather, traffic and personal preference information into the decision.
Can I travel with pets or bulky luggage? Some options (Uber Pet, Uber Van) accept pets or offer a spacious boot. For large items of luggage or musical instruments, the agent will select a suitable service.
How do evaluations work? The platforms ask for a rating from 1 to 5 stars. An agent can remind the user to give constructive feedback, as the quality of the service depends on it. Drivers with poor ratings can be deactivated.
Are tips necessary? They are optional, but common. The agent can suggest an amount in proportion to satisfaction, and remind you that some drivers live mainly on tips.
What to do if you forget something? The agent contacts the driver via the app to arrange recovery. Uber offers a special procedure for lost items, which may involve transport charges.
Can I pay in cash? In France, Uber does not allow cash payment. Traditional cabs do, but the agent must remind you to have change.
Mobility is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. VTC companies are investing in hybrid or electric fleets. Agents can offer “Green” options (Uber Green) where electric vehicles are used. They can also encourage carpooling or public transport to reduce carbon footprints. Some municipalities encourage the use of public transport by creating “low-emission zones” where polluting vehicles are banned.
The future of urban transport includes autonomous vehicles, air cabs and the integration of transport into super apps. These super apps will make it possible to book a VTC, a train ticket, a bicycle and even a hotel room in a single interface. Agents will have to integrate with these ecosystems, optimize intermodal journeys (combining bus, metro, VTC) and offer the best option in terms of cost, duration and carbon footprint. An advanced agent will even be able to learn preferences (driver preference, music, air-conditioning level) and apply them automatically.
To optimize the use of an agent :
Always update the pick-up address to avoid confusion (e.g., specify the entrance to a shopping mall or building).
Check traffic conditions in real time and suggest an alternative route (via GPS) when traffic jams are reported.
Activate the price estimation function to avoid surprises and offer cheaper options.
In the event of a strike or event disrupting transport (demonstrations, marathon), plan ahead by booking earlier or choosing another mode of transport.
Record passengers’ personal preferences (music, silence, temperature) to enhance the experience.
By following this advice and taking future innovations into account, the agent can offer a personalized, economical and environmentally-friendly service. Confidence in the service grows when the agent anticipates needs and proposes relevant alternatives.
The agent must consider the needs of disabled or elderly people. Specialized services offer vehicles equipped with ramps, trained drivers and adapted fares. Agents can add these requirements to their profile so that the platform automatically assigns a suitable vehicle. They can also make sure that the driver is notified and ready to help with boarding and disembarking. For medical journeys, some insurance companies reimburse all or part of the cost of transport, and the agent can prepare the necessary supporting documents.
For children traveling alone, some platforms offer supervised services where the driver waits for the person responsible for picking up the child at the destination. The agent must enter the contact details of the accompanying person and verify the identity of the person picking up the child. For senior citizens, the agent can ask for a patient and attentive driver. These measures reinforce the inclusion and safety of all users.