American Taxi Reduces Passenger Lost Items Through New Audio Technology
22 November 2000
American Taxi Reduces Passenger Lost Items Through New Audio Technology
CHICAGO--Nov. 21, 2000--American Taxi announced today that it will equip their entire fleet of 580 suburban vehicles with the latest technology in customer assistance. The device, Talking Taxi, provides customers with an audio reminder to take a last minute look around the seat and floor of the vehicle for any personal items that could be left behind. The Talking Taxi device is based on an 18 second long recording that is activated when the vehicle's door is opened or closed.The recording tells customers to "please check all your belongings before leaving the taxi, including credit cards, wallets, cell phones and keys. If paying by credit card please tell your driver immediately for faster processing. Again please check all belongings before exiting the vehicle."
American Taxi dispatches more than 2,000 taxis per day to and from both Midway and O'Hare airports. The Talking Taxi devices will provide not only a helpful reminder but at times a critical link between travel passengers and their personal belongings.
The Talking Taxi devices are currently in use by one of the nation's largest cab companies in New York City. American Taxi purchased the devices to increase customer service and reduce the number of lost items left behind including wallets, cellular telephones, pagers and keys. American Taxi, like most cab companies, has hundreds of items that are left in the back seat and has the cumbersome task of trying to locate the rightful owners.
Dan Coyne, General Manager for American Taxi, commented, " The Talking Taxi device is a real advancement that helps both our customers and us. This device is nearly fullproof and does the job because it acts as a constant reminder. American Taxi is currently the only local taxi service that employs this technology."
Two recent incidents involving Chicago licensed cab companies sparked consumers' awareness when parents left their children in the back seat after exiting the vehicle. It wasn't until later in the driver's return when the child was discovered and returned back safely to their family.
