WEST HAVEN, Conn. (Sept. 5, 2012) - Connecticut
taxi-users no longer have to wave their arms curbside or jut into the street to
flag a cab, as the state's largest full-service taxi company, Metro Taxi, today
launched the "Metro Cab App," a mobile dispatch application that now lets users
book one of its taxis with their iPhone or Android. Metro Taxi is Connecticut's first taxicab
company to respond to popular-demand cell phone trends with on-demand cab
service by using customized mobile software that is facilitated by the
company's Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking technology. Metro Taxi introduced GPS to Connecticut's
Taxi Industry in 1998.
With
this announcement, Metro Taxi is also accommodating customers who want to
schedule a taxi by text message, and is introducing web-booking; the ability to
schedule one of the company's taxicabs online. In addition, the West
Haven-based transportation company is offering repeat customers the option to order
a cab using instant voice recognition (IVR) technology.
"Clearly,
the public is eager for new mobile phone
applications that cater to fast-paced lives and make services and travel as
convenient, modern and hassle-free as possible," said Bill Scalzi, Metro Taxi president
and CEO. Metro Taxi is keeping
Connecticut on the leading edge of technology; availing its residents and the
state's visitors with on-demand taxi service from the quick touch of their
smart phones," said Scalzi.
The
use of mobile phone taxi request technology is expanding rapidly in metropolitan
and transportation hubs, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta,
Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Memphis, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
"An
active chamber member for its entire 25-year history, Metro Taxi has consistently
been a leading innovator and economic contributor to Connecticut's mass
transportation infrastructure and the Taxi Industry at large," said Anthony
Rescigno, president, The Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. "I know that the Metro Cab App will be a hit
among the many colleges, universities and businesses here in Connecticut," said
Rescigno.
How Does the Metro Cab App
Work?:
The Metro Cab App can be used on an iPhone (iOS 4.3 or later) and an Android. Both operating systems have the ability to connect to the internet via a data network or via wireless.
This Metro Taxi logo will appear on the face of the user's phone. One need only tap on the icon and the message "locate me" will appear. Using GPS technology, the Metro Cab App will automatically locate the customers and offer them a pick up at that location. The user will be prompted via a map-view screen to drop a pin button to verify their preferred pick up location. Once confirmed by the customer by the touch of an icon, a trip request will immediately be sent to Metro Taxi and the customer will be notified of the taxicab number en route to their pick up location. The taxi booking technology will also offer the customer the option to request a different date and time of pick up, a different address, or any other specific customer request (e.g. "pick me up at the East side of Smith Avenue").
Once
in the Metro Taxi, payment is equally fast, efficient and high-tech. In 2010, Metro
Taxi was the first Connecticut taxicab company to install rear-seat credit card
processing technology, which gives taxi users quick, point-of-sale payment
convenience without having to carry cash. In the two years that Metro Taxi has used
rear-seat payment technology, credit card usage has increased more than 500
percent.
To Order a Metro Taxi Cab
by Text Message:
- Dial (203)
535-9220.
Indicate pick up address, date and time you want transportation.
- You will then receive a six-digit
fare confirmation.
To Schedule a Metro Taxi Cab
Online:
- You will be prompted to give your
name, pick up location, date and time of requested transportation and
special driver notes.
- Upon booking a Metro Taxi cab,
you will promptly receive a fare confirmation.
To Schedule a Metro Taxi
Cab by Instant Voice Recognition (IVR):
- Call (203)
777-7777 and follow instructions.
The Cash-less
Cab Ride:
Metro Taxi offers a suite of debit and charge cards to facilitate
a "cash-less" cab ride for all demographics and lifestyle needs. The suite
includes the University Ride
(URide) Safe® card for college and university students; the Metro Taxi Charge
Card for corporate clients; the New Freedom Fund Card offering a 50 percentage
discount on the standard fare for persons with disabilities; the Metro Uni Card
providing universal and equal access transportation for all and the Metro Taxi
Gift Card for general usage or gift-giving. These debit and charge cards allow
customers to monitor their own card and replenish them as they need. The use of
the cards has also allowed Metro Taxi to meet its environmental goals and
significantly reduce paper consumption.
About Metro Taxi:
Metro
Taxi has been lauded for its technological advancements by The Greater New
Haven Chamber of Commerce, recognized for exceptional service by the Governor
and the Connecticut General Assembly and was voted "Best in New Haven" for
eight consecutive years. In 2010, Business
New Haven recognized Metro Taxi as a regional "Green Leader." In addition, Metro
Taxi co-owners, Bill and Isabelle Scalzi, were honored by West Haven Chamber
leadership and West Haven Mayor John M. Picard as "2010 Business Persons of the
Year." Also in 2010, Bill received the Americans with Disabilities Act
Coalition of Connecticut, Inc.'s "Spirit of ADA Award" and Connecticut Clean
Cities' award for outstanding citizenship in the use of alternative fuels. The Taxicab, Limousine & Paratransit
Association named Bill "2010 TLPA Operator of the Year," out of approximately
1,100 worldwide members. www.metrotaxict.com
