Navigating New York by taxi may not always be the most pleasant experience, but a new app available today is determined to make catching a cab just a little more convenient.
Californian tech company VeriFone has just released its taxi payment app Way2ride, which lets New York City passengers pay for their cab fare via their smartphone.
How it works
Passengers simply open the app once they climb into a cab, and press the ‘I’m in a taxi’ button. They’ll then need to hold their phone up to the TaxiTV screen (which has been installed in most NYC cabs).
Once a passenger has been successfully ‘checked in’ to their cab, their phone will beep or vibrate letting them know their trip is being registered. Then all they need to do is sit back, (try to) enjoy the ride, and hop out when the journey is completed.
There’s no need for additional action on behalf of the passenger – the payment will be made automatically once the fare is completed. Users can pre-load their credit card details and payment preferences into the app, and even nominate how much they’d like to tip drivers. The fee will be paid without the passenger needing to hand over any payment details to their cab driver.
The Way2ride app can be used by passengers regardless of whether they've hailed a taxi on the street, or booked through another smartphone app. Receipts for fares are stored digitally and can be accessed through the app, or by logging in to Way2ride’s website.
The app is currently available for both Android and iPhone, and can be used in cabs within NYC. VeriFone plans to expand the service outside of New York to over 70,000 taxis worldwide, although hasn't released a time frame as to when.
Is it safe?
The app works using VeriFone’s patented ‘Zoosh’ technology, which uses the speakers and microphone of your smartphone to exchange encrypted information through the cloud. NFC capability is not required, and VeriFone assures customers that its service is secure.
VeriFone is optimistic that the app will be well-received by native New Yorkers and tourists alike, who'll appreciate its convenience and simplicity. The fact that it also eliminates the risk of fare evasion should help the service be embraced by taxi drivers themselves.
The company has made the payment platform available to other developers, so that existing taxi-booking apps may incorporate the feature into their own services. VeriFone hopes that Way2ride will allow developers to, in the company's words, "...unlock the potential of non-NFC smartphones to deliver single-tap functionality alongside their NFC solutions."
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