By Tony Hallett, 6 May 2004 18:35
NEWS Users of black cabs in London are from today able to call a single number to get picked up.
The launch of the 0 871 871 871 0 'One Number' - backed by Mayor Ken Livingstone - pulls together the 7,000 of the capital's 21,000 cabs that are run by CallACab, Computer Cab, Datacab, Dial-a-Cab, Radio Taxis and Xeta.
The technology that allows the new system is called Vision, an information management package provided by Manchester-based Totem, and works by creating a virtual call centre - meaning calls are passed from one cab company to another on a rotating basis as calls aren't picked up.
Peter Gibson, head of corporate development at Radio Taxis, said the initiative marks co-operation between taxi companies who might otherwise have lost business to private hire minicabs.
"The software allows calls to be switched from one call centre to another - that was its unique selling point," he said.
The company had previously used Thus in isolation. The next stage might be for interactive voice response (IVR) systems, cutting down on the need for lots of call centre agents, said Gibson.
Typically radio or computer controlled taxis see rushes at certain times, for example when there is a train or tube strike or bad weather, but then cab companies traditionally favour those with set-up accounts rather than others wanting to pay by cash.
Livingstone's main aim was to provide a service that was easier for everyone to use, and to improve safety.
Comments
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1. anonymous
And it's about bloody time!
Still a long way from the Singapore experience where at the end of the call they tell you the reg. of the taxi coming to get you and how long it will be...
Can't wait for the IVR version..."South of the river this time of night, please press 4 to be disconnected..."
;o)
2. anonymous
But oh great, it's a premium number, 10p/min from landlines and much more from mobiles. You're giving them business and they try to fleece you on the call too. No thanks. This won't take money from minicabs - and just why is there such a local govt campaign against minicabs? They're not all rapists and murderers (some are expenesive, most are cheaper)
3. Ibrahim
What is the snail mail address of Radio Taxis.
4. Rob Cooper
This is not a unique call routing solution, it has been in place with Opal across their network for some time now and does exactly the same thing. Good application though as it does spread the business amongst the cab firms. But fortunately they will never rid the world of mini cabs as they are often up to 50% cheaper and far less fussy about taking your fare !! Especially when you need a ride from outside your local pub/ club then and there, not in 20 minutes time !!