NEWS
NEW YORK CITY TAXI & LIMOUSINE COMMISSION
Medallion
Taxicab Technology Enhancements
Better
Communication & Better Service
In
March 2004, the TLC’s Board of Commissioners mandated that specific
technology based service improvements be implemented in all medallion
taxicabs. The technology enhancements focus on four areas:
- automated
collection and submission of trip data,
- the
installation of a passenger information monitor (including a passenger
information map),
- incorporating
electronic message transmission capability into the taxicab, and
- finally,
the addition of equipment to enable the acceptance of credit/debit
cards.
These
service enhancements represent a rare opportunity to significantly improve
the riding experience of countless New Yorkers and visitors, as well
as for drivers. The new technology will greatly improve communication
between the TLC and its constituents. All medallion taxicabs will now
offer varied payment options for the riding public. The ability to communicate
with taxi drivers on a real time basis will enable the TLC to increase
the level of service available to the riding public in ground breaking
ways.
Text Messaging
Text
messaging services will offer many benefits to drivers and passengers:
- communication
with taxis in the event of a citywide emergency;
- streamlining
the process for lost property claims;
- and
directing taxicabs to fare opportunities by advising drivers of cruise
ship schedules, major public events, and other needs for transportation.
The
new system will allow the TLC to send short alphanumeric messages to
cabs and receive preprogrammed responses from the driver. The driver
will be able to transmit a response by pushing a single button.
Automated Trip Sheet Data Collection
Today,
drivers are required to maintain a trip log that details each and every
fare that they serve. The trip sheet is filled out by hand and stored
in paper form. Medallion owners are required to maintain these trip
sheets for three years.
The
TLC will leverage state of the art vehicle location technology to automate
this process. By integrating with the taximeter, the technology enhancement
equipment will automatically capture the pick up and drop off location
of every fare. In the near future, paper trip sheets will disappear
as the TLC will receive the data electronically. The data collected
will also be more accurate.
Credit Card / Debit Card Payment
The
new system will allow all taxicabs to accept credit and debit cards
as a form of payment. Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted
as a payment mechanism in the United States:
•
22% of all consumer payments are made by credit card
•
31% of all consumer payments are made by debit card.
Research
shows that acceptance of credit and debit cards presents an opportunity
for increased revenue - more trips and greater tips! Drivers will also
benefit from increased safety. Since there will be less cash on hand,
the use of credit/debit cards should diminish the probability of robbery.
Passenger Information Monitor (PIM)
The
passenger information monitor (PIM) is a flat screen monitor, similar
to a laptop screen, that will provide information such as news, sports,
and weather to the passenger.
The
PIM will be installed in the rear seat passenger area of the taxicab
where it will be used to complete the electronic payment process. The
PIM will display the total fare at the end of every trip. The PIM will
be used to communicate TLC Safety and Public Service Announcements (PSAs)
and will provide a map allowing the passenger to follow their journey
through New York City and surrounding metropolitan areas.
No
need to worry, the PIM will NOT provide “directions” to
the passenger. Every PIM has an on/off button that can be controlled
by the passenger.
Timeline
Summer
- Fall 2006 - Rigorous and thorough field-testing of equipment.
Winter
2006 - Pilot test of new equipment – up to 200 enhanced taxicabs
on the street.
Spring
2007 - Rollout completed and equipment available in all taxicabs.
Driver Frequently Asked Questions
Is
the TLC going to use this technology to track drivers?
No,
the TLC will only use this technology to provide those customer service
improvements described here. Even more importantly for drivers,
the TLC will use it to replace the current hand written trip sheets
with automatic electronic trip sheets which will be limited to collecting
pick up, drop off, and fare information, all of which are already required.
I
have heard that this system will cost drivers between $3,000 and $5,000.
Is this true?
The
primary cost of the system will be the responsibility of medallion owners,
not drivers. There will be some transaction or service fees.
The TLC worked hard to negotiate fair contracts with vendors to minimize
the cost to our licensees.
How
will the system be maintained? Who will pay for maintenance?
Repair
locations will be set up throughout the City and in many cases, the
repair shops will be meter shops. Medallion owners will pay for
a maintenance contract to cover all equipment repairs and replacements.
Are
there any benefits for drivers?
Yes,
we expect more trips and larger tips due to the acceptance of credit/debit
cards. Most retailers have reported increased revenue when they
start accepting credit/debit cards.
The
text messaging system will alert drivers to fare opportunities such
as the arrival of a passenger cruise ship or the end of a large event.
Are
passengers going to use the map displayed on the terminal in the back
to give drivers directions on how to get to a location?
The
map will not encourage “back seat” driving by passengers.
It will only show the current location and the path the cab has traveled
– no directions will be provided.
Are
there any other benefits?
Use
of credit/debit cards means that the driver will have less cash on hand,
which creates safer conditions. And the text messaging system means
drivers can be notified in case of emergency situations.
Will
I need training? How will I be trained?
The
systems will be made as user friendly as possible, but some training
may be necessary, at first. Suppliers are required to provide it
and it should take about one hour. The first training session will
be available free of charge.
Owner Frequently Asked Questions
How much will it cost to install the system?
Fixed
costs: There will be an up front cost of between $10 and $4,115 followed
by a monthly service charge of between $43 and $200. The total
cost of ownership over a three year period will be between $2,900 and
$7,200. The cost is based upon which company is selected and if advertising
fees are accepted to offset costs.
The
numbers quoted above are the maximum permitted rates, and in most cases
will be lower. In many ways, signing up for the service enhancements
is similar to cell phone contracts. Each vendor offers different
packages, with different fee structures.
Variable
costs: Credit/debit card fees are about 3% to 4%. On a $25
credit/debit card charge, fees will be less than $1.
Can
I negotiate with a vendor for lower prices?
Yes,
the figures cited above are maximum prices permitted.
If
I signed a contract for credit card meter processing, and/or for interior/exterior
advertising, do I have to sign up with this vendor for my Technology
Enhancements package?
No,
you are free to sign up with any Technology Enhancements vendor.
You will not be held to prior contracts signed for credit card meter
processing and interior advertising.
How
much of this cost can I pass onto drivers?
Only
credit/debit card transaction costs can be passed on.
How
long will the contract last?
The
contract will last for up to three years. Owners may have the
option to extend this contract for one or two years more.
Can
I switch vendors after I sign a contract?
Yes,
but cancellation fees will apply. It is similar to a cell phone contract.
When
do I have to install the system?
There
will be a date set in the spring 2007 after which owners will have thirty
days to sign up with a vendor. After the sign up deadline, vendors
will have sixty days to have the equipment installed.
Are
we going to get a fare increase to pay for the technology enhancements?
The
fare increase authorized in March, 2004 included a mandate for the service
improvements.
Will
the medallion holder own the technology after the contract expires?
In
some cases, yes. This varies depending on the vendor.
TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS SEMINAR
On
Saturday, September 30, 2006 medallion owners, drivers, and agents of
NYC Yellow Taxi Cabs attended a seminar to learn about and view the
Technology Enhancements. Vendors and TLC representatives were on hand
to answer questions.
Medallion
TaxicabTechnology
Enhancements
September 30, 2006
Project
Goals
Improve
the Riding & Driving Experience Through:
•
Payment Options (Credit/Debit Cards)
•
Communicating Useful Information to Passengers (Passenger Information
Monitor “PIM”)
•
Communicating Useful Information to Drivers (Text Messaging on Driver
Information Monitor “DIM”)
•
Better Policy & Regulation (Automated Trip-Sheet Data Collection)
Payment Options Provide Riders With Options for Payment
•
All Major Credit Cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover
& JCB)
•
Signature Based Debit Cards
•
Passenger Pays Using PIM
•
No Signature for Payments Less Than $25
•
In the Future –Prepay Card
Electronic Trip-Sheet Data Collection
•
Implement Automatic Vehicle Location Technology
•
Capture Data and Provide On Line Access
•
Automated Data = Increased Accuracy
•
TLC will regularly capture only information ( pick up, drop off, time,
etc) that is currently kept manually
•
Driver, Owner & Agent will have access to trip sheet data
•
Better Policy & Regulation
Communicating With Drivers (Text Messaging)
•
Recovery of Passenger’s Lost Property
•
Cab Efficiency / Fare Opportunities
•
Traffic Related Information
•
Emergency Communication
Communicating With Passengers (PIMs)
•
Allow TLC to Communicate with Passengers
•
Must include a Map
•
Must have “Off”and “Mute” Buttons
•
TLC Rules and Regulations
•
Public Service Announcements
•
Envisioned to include other information and entertainment
•
Advertising is Optional
Why Did the TLC Organize the Contracts This Way?
•
Integrate All Four Enhancements Into a Single Solution
•
Buying Power of Entire Cab Fleet
•
Keep Passenger Experience Similar
•
TLC is Impartial - Zero Dollar Contract to City
Benefits to You
•
Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
•
Turnkey Solution
•
Indemnification for Regulatory Non-Compliance
CostsFixed Costs
•
One Time Upfront Cost
•
Monthly Fee Variable
•
Credit Card Transaction Costs
Three Years Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
•
Maximum Price ($ 2,900 –$5,700)
•
Depends on Advertising vs. No Advertising Model
•
Cost can be Negotiated Lower
Key Contractual Issues
•
Legacy Agreements not Enforceable
•
Term cannot Exceed Term of TLC Contract
•
Mandated Training
•
Void Contract if TLC Rules Repealed
Exhibit RC (Rates & Charges)
•
Copies of all Contracts must be given to TLC
•
Maximum Cost is Listed
•
Clearly Lists all Costs, Fees, Options, etc
Next Steps
•
Stage 1-Functionality Testing (Current)
•
Marketing Period (October ’06 –January ’07)
•
Stage 2 -50 Cabs/Vendors (October ’06)
•
Contract Sign-Up Deadline (January ’07 -February ’07)
•
Compliance Deadline ( Spring ’07)
(Subject
to Change)
MEDALLION TAXICAB TECHNOLOGY ENHANCEMENTS
In
order to provide better service to passengers, the Taxi and Limousine
Commission has mandated new equipment be installed in all yellow cabs.
In October 2006, up to 200 enhanced taxis will be on the streets.
In the first half of 2007 all yellow taxicabs will be equipped with
the following:
Credit
Card/Debit Card Payment System – Taxicabs will accept cash and
credit/debit cards for all fares. The equipment will be installed
in the rear of the cab which will provide a high level of security as
passengers will swipe their own card and be in control during the transaction.
Passenger
Information Monitor (PIM) – A small screen will be installed in
the back seat to provide both information and entertainment. All
monitors will have buttons to both mute and turn off the PIM.
The PIM will display a map with the taxicab’s current location
and facilitate payment of all fares.
Trip
Sheet Automation – Using Automatic Vehicle Locator (AVL) technology,
the collection of trip sheet data will now be automatic. This
will improve the accuracy of collected data which will help facilitate
the return of lost property.
Text
Messaging – A Driver Information Monitor (DIM) will permit messages
to be sent to drivers when the vehicle is stopped. These messages
can be used to assist drivers in returning lost property and to help
avoid traffic congestion.
Passenger Frequently Asked Questions
How
will the enhancements benefit passengers?
All
taxicabs will accept cash or credit/debit cards, increasing passengers’
payment options. There will be a Passenger Information Monitor
(PIM) installed in the back seat which will display a map showing the
vehicle’s current location, in addition to providing news and
entertainment.
The
system will also assist in returning lost property by improving information
flow between the TLC and drivers.
Which
credit/debit cards will be accepted?
Credit
cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and JCB Debit cards:
Signature based Visa and MasterCard.
How
will I get my receipt?
The
driver will hand you the receipt as they do now.
How
long will it take if I use a credit/debit card in the cab?
A
credit/debit card transaction will take on the average 5 to 10 seconds
to process, after the card is swiped.
Can
I use my credit/debit card for all fares?
Yes,
drivers will accept credit/debit cards for all fares; there are no minimums.
I
am concerned about security, who will swipe the credit/debit card?
All
the equipment will be installed in the back seat of the cab. The
passenger will swipe the card and can enter the tip in the PIM.
There is no need to hand the card to the driver.
Do
I have to sign the receipt?
Customers
only need to sign the receipt when the fare is $25.00 and over.
Will
the map offer directions or traffic conditions?
No,
the map will only show where you are currently located, and may contain
“breadcrumbs” displaying the route you have traveled.
Can
I turn off the monitor in the backseat?
Passengers
will be able to turn off either the sound or the entire monitor.
If it had been turned off, the monitor will reactivate at the end of
the ride to assist in payment.
What
happens if my credit/debit card does not work?
If
the credit/debit card payment does not process, passengers can pay in
cash or use another card.
Will
drivers be distracted by text messages being sent to the cab?
No,
the system is designed so that text messages can only be displayed when
the cab is stopped or moving very slowly. There will be no keyboard
for drivers, who will only have to push a button to reply.