The RFI’s goal is to proactively seek and gauge input from the riding public, the taxicab industry and the technology community on the ways that we may bring the Taxicab Passenger Enhancement Program (or T-PEP) to the next level of functionality before the expiration of the City’s contracts with service providers in approximately two years. The systems, which feature credit/debit card acceptance, passenger monitor screens featuring entertainment and informational content and an electronic map, a driver screen to facilitate 2-way text messaging for drivers to receive business opportunities and various messages, and the automatic collection of trip sheet data, were conceived in 2004 as a means of enhancing customer service in return for a comprehensive 26% fare increase. These never-before-seen systems were designed, extensively tested and phased-in over a three-year period, with 100% implementation achieved in 2008.
“This has truly been a pioneering exercise for the TLC,” said TLC Commissioner and Chairman Matthew W. Daus. “Virtually all of our predictions about how these systems would perform have essentially come true, such as seeing the usage of credit cards gradually increase from about 6% to now more than 20% of all rides; seeing drivers’ tips increasing from between 12% and 15% to more than 20% of the fare total on average, and using them on a daily basis to find lost passenger property more quickly and efficiently.
“These custom-made integrated TLC systems were the first of its kind anywhere, and are now being cloned for use in other cities. Now that they have performed beyond expectation and have become woven into the fabric of the New York City taxi experience, it is time for us to take the process to the next level. We are soliciting input from the taxicab industry, the technology community and passengers to help us engineer the evolution of these systems from ‘Taxi 1.0′ to ‘Taxi 2.0′.”
Concepts to be discussed and explored include, but are NOT limited to:
Potential Driver Benefits:
* Navigation systems
* Driver Information Monitor Screens to feature traffic information; pinpoint restroom, gas station and relief stand locations;
* Reduce credit card transaction costs;
* Driver debit card (income deposited directly into drivers’ bank accounts) linked to benefits, i.e. discounts on car washes, fuel, restaurants, etc.
Potential Passenger Benefits:
* Improved Passenger Information Monitor (PIM) screen content could include:
* Games;
* Enhanced Driver Information (photo, hack license no.);
* Interactive “point of interest” maps based on cab location;
* Wayfinding (knowing location, finding best routes)
* Multiple languages
* Music & music video menu;
* Internet or WIFI capability (check e-mail, surf Web, shop, etc.)
* iPod or MP-3 plug-in capability
* Better Serving Passengers with Disabilities Via….
* Captioning of PIM content;
* Hearing Loop Technology for Audio Assistive Device users;
* Accessible Dispatch System compatibility;
* Real time interactivity with TLC to facilitate surveys, complaints, compliments
* Better, More Informative Receipts with -
* Driver information
* Easier to read/larger print
* Coupons, advertising, promotions
* Delivered electronically to an e-mail address
* Taxicard
* Pre-paid debit or taxi-specific credit card accounts
* Passenger benefits, including passenger profile, frequent rider miles, etc…
Potential General and Public Safety Benefits:
* Multiple metered rate of fare & split fare capabilities
* Everyday Group Ride facilitation;
* To assist during citywide, major emergencies when the facilitation of widespread group riding is appropriate (i.e. strikes, blackouts, etc.);
* Driver integrity/security - to prevent unlicensed taxi operation
* Bar code scanners
* Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers or biometrics to ensure use by authorized drivers;
* Cell phone blocking technology (for drivers while engaged, but not passengers!)
The comment period for the Request For Information officially opens April 14, 2009 and ends June 15, 2009. The RFI will be posted on the TLC Web site URL http://www.nyc.gov/taxi, and those interested may comment either through the Web site, via US Mail at NYC TLC, 40 Rector Street, 5th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10006; via Fax at 212-676-1002, or by e-mail
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Had Enough 04.14.09 at 7:26 am
They forgot involuntary drivers tip donations to the MTA….
Blinded With Science 04.17.09 at 6:04 am
First of all it’s a very tall order to just be able to block cell phones in the front seat and not in the rear.
But I’d be willing to stake big bucks that if they figure out a way to do it, someone else will figure out a way for drivers to tap into the rear seat connection.
lwill 04.17.09 at 4:03 pm
That’s a very good observation “Blinded With Science”. By trying to stop the driver’s from using their cell phones, they would also disable the passenger’s cells too. I also think it would affect the GPS, and credit card transactions from being processed.
The TLC needs to stop thinking so much about the passenger’s comforts and focus on the drivers. Drivers who are happy and not disgruntled would be more courteous to passengers, drive safer, and have a better general outlook while on the road.
They have a lot of new applicants for hack licenses, but it’s us experienced drivers who know where we’re going and what we’re doing that keep the system functioning.
RadioFreeTaxi 04.21.09 at 8:01 pm
http://www.wnyc.org/flashplayer/player.html#/play/%2Fstream%2Fxspf%2F129106
nyctaxiphoto 04.22.09 at 1:25 am
All the ideas are very intelligent. But I would only be comfortable with cellphone blocking, if we had an extremely dependable onboard emergency button. with all this technology, we should have already had a button that dials the police and gives them our gps coordinates.