November 1, 2013 at 7:23 a.m.
Exclusive: Don’t drag taxi service back to Stone Age
Bermuda needs to move forward, not back, by embracing technology in transportation, say cabbies.
In a special report today, the Sun takes a look at the controversial issue of GPS in taxis.
We speak to veteran drivers who were opposed to the satellite tracking systems but now say they are the only viable option.
Raymond Robinson, president of BTA (Dispatching) Ltd, said going back to radio dispatch would be like “going back to the Stone Age”.
Over the coming months, Government will decide on whether to follow through on its pre-election pledge of making GPS “optional” for cabbies.
Is it the best choice for Bermuda? And why is there resistance to GPS by some cabbies? Cost and technophobia may be factors, but there are also myths about GPS, such as a driver in Spanish Point getting dispatched to Dockyard, despite the stretch of water in between.
Inside, we take a look at how GPS works and how its users say it will lead to better service through credit card payments and online booking.
Special Report - Taxis: The GPS saga
• ‘Slam brakes on GPS plan’
Instead of fumbling for change in the back of a cab, you could soon be paying by credit card - if Government sticks with GPS.
• ‘Radio is obsolete’
Dupierre Simons, 69, has been driving a taxi for the past 12 years. He was initially wary of GPS, but now says he's 'really happy with it'.
• We need to embrace technology
Raymond Robinson, president of BTA (Dispatching) Ltd and a taxi driver/operator, says GPS is designed to find the nearest car to the job and get the customer a cab faster
• ‘Spy in the cab’ helps customers
Taxi driver/owner Dupierre Simons says GPS makes drivers more accountable and BTA (Dispatching) Ltd president Raymond Robinson agrees.
• GPS - how it works
The ins and outs of GPS - the automated software used by the dispatcher, the zoning system that divides Bermuda's 21 sq miles and the monitors drivers use accept customers.
Comments:
You must login to comment.