Autotoll, a transport and logistics management solutions provider, is teaming up with Dah Sing Bank and Visa Inc to offer a service called AutoTAXI. Download the eponymous app from iTunes or Android market and you can order a taxi by entering your pick-up and drop-off points, name and contact number. Once the dispatch centre finds a taxi, you will get a confirmation message with the cab’s license plate number. The “Flying Taxis”, as they are called, are equipped with GPS so you can track their whereabouts – you no longer need to stand on the street wondering where your ride is.
Flying Taxis also accept Visa cards. Holders of Visa payWave-enabled cards can use the contactless reader and charge up to HK$500 without the need of a signature. Conventional Visa cardholders can charge up to HK$200 without signing. Until December 31, Dah Sing Bank Visa cardholders get a 20 percent cash rebate when using this service to settle taxi payments. There are 100 of these cabs on the road, identified by a special sticker on the window, and the number will rise to 500 if the service is well received, according to Autotoll chief executive Paul Cheng. During the promotional period, they will also sport a Visa-branded “wing” on the roof. Mr Cheng said: “This payment system in taxis will benefit business travellers as they don’t always have Hong Kong dollars on them. Credit cards are something they use all the time and a convenient option.” Hazel Ho
