Caribou Cabs, the capitalSA国际影视传媒檚 main taxi company, joined the digital age when it launched a smartphone app two years in the making May 22.
With the purchase of Pai-Pa Taxi in March, Caribou Cabs has two 12-hour shifts, with 35 cars on each shift.
Michele LeTourneau/NNSL photo
SA国际影视传媒淲e still have our 24-hour, seven days a week dispatching office, where weSA国际影视传媒檙e receiving a tremendous amount of calls. We do want to give both options to the customers,SA国际影视传媒� said the companySA国际影视传媒檚 public relations manager Idris Omar.
SA国际影视传媒淔or those with the capability, they can use our app. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 more of a convenience for those customers.SA国际影视传媒�
Michele LeTourneau/NNSL photo
Omar says the system is faster. He also says itSA国际影视传媒檚 safer, as the tablets used by drivers automatically record video and audio and GPS (global positioning system) tracking.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 not he said, she said. I can follow them all. I can check where they are and where they have been. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 more guaranteed safe, fast,SA国际影视传媒� said Omar.
The addition of the video and audio means if there are problems inside a cab, Omar can review the footage and deal with the situation. Customers can also rate their drivers, increasing accountability and transparency.
With the app, the customer can track their incoming taxi, just like Uber in the south.
SA国际影视传媒淭he reliability increased very much,SA国际影视传媒� Omar adds.
SA国际影视传媒淩egardless of how many vehicles we have on the road, itSA国际影视传媒檚 easy for us to communicate.SA国际影视传媒�
One future improvement to the app will be designated pick-up spots where there are no buildings.
SA国际影视传媒淩egardless of where you are, weSA国际影视传媒檒l get you,SA国际影视传媒� said Omar.
And, eventually, non-cash payments via the app will be possible.
The app was custom built by Mega Taxi, the firm Omar worked with, to account for IqaluitSA国际影视传媒檚 unique nature.
SA国际影视传媒淭he list of addresses, that was a big challenge,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
SA国际影视传媒淚 travelled back and forth to Montreal, Ottawa, Gatineau, met with the programmer, came back here, put a few things together. Did some testing. Went back. Invited him over here. I hosted him and his assistant for two weeks. We did a lot of training. We did a lot of testing.SA国际影视传媒�
The app is available for download at Google Play and the Apple App Store.
