The company's chief operating officer, Stuart Overell, said the change meant drivers would no longer be able to cherry pick trips based on distance.

“This improvement is in direct response to feedback we’ve had from both passengers and drivers. With this update now in place passengers can be confident they’ll be picked up as fast as possible this festive season," Overell said.

The new app will change the way people in three cities and seven regional locations order, track and pay for their taxis, securely. It is available for both iOS and Android.

In another move to improve conditions for passengers, 13CABS has also partnered with Ambi Pur to eliminate odours and keep cars smelling fresh.

The changes come after parent company Cabcharge announced the launch of the 13CABS brand in Sydney earlier this month.

The brand has committed to “clean up” its taxi fleet in Sydney with existing brands — Taxis Combined, ABC, Apple and South Western — consolidating and re-emerging on Sydney streets as 13CABS over the next few months.

“This is a major change for Sydneysiders who are now starting to see completely different taxis outside their homes and workplaces. Paired with the launch of the 13CABS app today and a significant change to our booking system we’re confident we’re making strong in-roads to deliver a better taxi experience to Australians,” said Mr Overell.