Square details NYC's iPhone-based taxi system
updated 06:00 pm EST, Tue March 6, 2012
Square explains NYC taxi payment method
Square picked Tuesday to give a fuller explanation of its soon to launch New York City taxi cab system. The pilot project will give drivers an iPhone with a custom app, Checker, as well as a special seatback iPad for the sake of passengers. While the iPhone manages billing, the metal-housed iPad will both handle payment or passengers through a swiper as well as show them a map with the cab's current position, active fare, and temperature.
Because of the app- and cloud-based nature of the system, passengers can swipe a credit card at any point in the ride, not just at the end. It should also overcome reluctance on the part of drivers to accept credit cards by paying them the next day, not as far back as a month. By using a map system, it provides a minor perk by eliminating the repetitive TV feed currently in the back of NYC Taxi vehicles.
The initial taxi system will only include 30 taxis, although it's possible the New York Taxi Commission will expand the project if it proves successful. No mention has been made of adapting the platform for Android. [via New York Times]
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FINALLY the end to bullsh!t-artist cab drivers that knowingly take you the longest route.