You are late for that all-important meeting. Taxis are hard to come by. You eventually spot one and promptly hop in. All is well until the taxi comes to a halt; an increasingly impatient driver watches over you suspiciously as you scramble for change in your wallet.
Does this sound familiar‾
Well, 3G operators and e-commerce companies have certainly worked hard together to ensure that these nightmares become a thing of the past. Earlier in September, Sprint Nextel and VeriFone Transportation System (VTS) announced they would equip 6,600 New York City taxis with a real-time integrated payment and information system, enabling consumers to access information, GPS-based location and mapping services, as well as conduct electronic payments.
The system features a 10.4-inch "Passenger Information Monitor" touch screen that allows passengers to review the fare, add tips and pay - either by credit card through a reader or via a "tap and go" contactless payment option.
A wide range of content providers, including WABC-TV's local news, AccuWeather, Reuters Business News, Disney Broadway and others also contributed with programming.
"The system has not only improved our ability to manage fleets, but drivers have found that it provides them with the ability to better recover fares," said Solomon Neuschatz, NYC taxi owner/operator. "Most have also noticed an increase in gratuities. In addition, passengers love the fact that they are informed during the ride and have access to information on restaurants, clubs and theaters right at their fingertips."
(Source: Sprint Nextel)