Tablets And Taxis
For anyone who lives in – or has visited – New York City, you probably know about the televisions that are in the back of many taxi cabs. A significant number of taxi companies in New York City have installed televisions in their cabs that play a select set of programming for the taxicab riders. One group of fifty taxis is currently considering switching out those televisions and replacing them with tablet computers.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission, which oversees all taxi companies in New York City, is currently debating whether to collaborate with the San Francisco company Square. Square would supply taxis with a tablet that they would put in the place of the televisions for customers to use while they ride to their destination. Taxi riders would be able to use apps, play games, and swipe their credit card to pay for the cab ride.
This technological upgrade could help taxi companies because it should reduce the fees they must pay to support credit card purchases. In addition to lowering the fees for credit card sales through Square’s lower fee structure, taxi drivers would benefit from immediate validation of credit cards. Taxi drivers will not have to wait very long for a card to go through the system before they know if it is accepted. This could help cabbies not lose fares because of rejected cards.
The benefits to riders of providing tablet computers in the taxis are numerous, especially for those who do not have a tablet or smartphone. The tablet computers in the taxi could help riders by allowing them to e-mail friends, search for destinations or dining options and even check their bank accounts. While the security of one’s personal data is a concern, there are many applications on the tablet computers that could make tourism and travel easier for cab riders.
The program will start in New York City with fifty taxis. If the trial meets with success, other cabs may receive the tablets later. If the Taxi and Limousine Commission approves the program, New York City will join Orlando, Baltimore, Portland, and San Francisco in offering tablet computers in taxis.
Whether you live in New York City or not, the trend toward electronic payments even in services like taxis is an interesting development because it demonstrates the pervasiveness of tablets and technology in society. Technology is no longer something reserved for “computer people.” Instead tablet computers are something that everyone is familiar with and able to use.
Apple’s iPad has certainly helped with the commercialization and commonality of tablets, but Amazon’s Kindle Fire and other more affordable tablet computers are also in the running to outfit the taxis of New York City. Whichever tablet computer the Taxi and Limousine Commission chooses will certainly see a large jump in popularity and sales as those who use them in taxis become more familiar with them.
About RESCUECOM:
RESCUECOM provides computer repair and computer support, 24/7: Meeting every tech support need including data recovery, virus removal, networking, wireless services, and computer support for all brands of hardware and software. For computer support or information on products, services, or computer repair, visit https://www.rescuecom.com or call 1-800-RESCUE-PC.
For More Information, Contact:
ceo@rescuecom.com
1-800-737-2837
Filed under: business, david milman, news, rescuecom, tablets