http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/ae_news_story.php?id=50577

Cab Hire Is Just the Ticket


The number is up for bogus cab drivers, thanks to this new invention. It's called the TaxiBox, and the first one to be installed is already proving popular - although not everyone is happy.

Anyone wanting to hire a vehicle inserts a £1 coin in the slot, and the roadside machine prints off a numbered ticket. That means a car has been booked, with the cash being deducted from the final fare. It is hoped the system will cut down on the number of passengers risking their safety and personal security with unlicensed operators.

It's the brainchild of Manchester firm Autocab, and has recently been installed in Leeds by minicab outfit Amber Cars. It's situated

outside the office, and owner Andy Pennock told us: "Most of our customers think it's great. It's proving very successful, and I've ordered some more. It would work brilliantly in the city centre, where there is always a scramble for cabs when the pubs and clubs close."

The company, which has 170 cars and employs more than 300 drivers, wants to put up additional boxes around the city, depending on planning permission.

But Ian Gale, a regional director of the National Taxi Association, isn't impressed. He said: "I will be raising this at our national conference later this month, because this device effectively creates a rank for private hire cars."

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Bit like a PH freephone. cant see how he thinks its like ranking up. if system makes a booking and the car that is allocated turns up how is that ranking?

But Ian Gale, a regional director of the National Taxi Association, isn't impressed. He said: "I will be raising this at our national conference later this month, because this device effectively creates a rank for private hire cars."

Bit like a PH freephone. cant see how he thinks its like ranking up. if system makes a booking and the car that is allocated turns up how is that ranking?

Aren't freephones only in private places with the explicit permission of management? These machines would supposedly be in a public street. If the council put these machines in the public street for this P/H hire company would it not mean they would have to accomodate evey other P/H firm in Leeds who requested the same equality.

these were a big thing a few years ago.

A guy brought technology over from Australia and sold it to Autocab customers in Basildon and Southampton.

It didn't work and the guy disappeared with the money.

Seems Autocab have regigged the idea and sold it again.

Hacks will attack it in some areas because it doesn't take the destination with booking. Though I believe a number code was being contemplated to overcome it.

The same 2 guys who won the lottery then bought a Taxi firm

Then ripped out Autocab and put Auriga in.........

I wonder what system they will put in next?

tube of super glue will put an end to silly idea

tube of super glue will put an end to silly idea