Computerized Taxi Systems: Which One Should You Go For?

Taxi dispatch systems were first attempted to computerize in the 1970s. The results were mostly crude, and it was many years later that a proper system developed.

Computerized dispatch solutions utilize a dispatching program in a central zone (like office) and a mobile computer unit placed in the vehicles. The Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) in the car functions to track the vehicle in real time and offer information to the driver about fares.

What do you need in a good taxi dispatch system?

The software located in the office does an automatic job of scheduling vehicles, carrying out communication and facilitate reporting. There are many types of automated taxi dispatch system, but the major ones are discussed below.

Voice Assisted Computer Dispatch

This technology does not require MDT installations and operates through a call center. Cars are sent based on the call from a customer. Usually, companies maintain a database of callers with details like location, and street address. This information used as context cuts down response time and also improves customer satisfaction. Moreover, the database can be used to verify the address of a repeat caller without any extra inquiry.

Zone-Based Automated Taxi Dispatch utilizing MDT

Improved automation is offered by Zone based dispatch systems, which take help of in-car MDTs. The exchange of information is way faster, and there is no need of manually assigning drivers. Modern Zone based systems integrate GPS functionality for better tracking and operation.

Drivers are not able to falsely update their position to get fares. It also cuts down on call center errors as the dispatch is automated not requiring any human intervention. Many criteria are taken into account before a driver is assigned, like distance from the passenger, and pick up time. The drivers get details like estimated fares, after they are selected.

Online Taxi Booking

Some taxi companies have adopted online taxi dispatch system where customers can book a ride using website. Generally, you have to register and create an account before they can take their first ride. The whole process is carried online and does not require call center function. Here are some of the other things that you would love about online taxi booking software.

• More safety
• Better rates
• Live tracking
• Great ambience
• WiFi

Cloud Based Taxi Booking Apps

After the upheaval caused by smartphones and mobile apps, a new technology of taxi dispatching has overtaken the industry. The whole cost of infrastructure, hardware costs, call center expenses have been vastly reduced after the introduction of ride-sharing apps. Passengers can download the taxi dispatch software free from the app stores. After that booking can be done instantly from the mobile phone using the app. All of them utilize GPS to track available drivers, who use their version of the same app. Drivers get notifications once they are booked and navigate to pick up the passenger using the map on his phone.

Other information like expected arrival time, estimated fare, destination, vehicle information are sent to the respective apps of passengers and drivers. Payments can also be made in a cashless method through the payment gateways integrated into the app. The complete tracking, operating and reporting is carried out by the app backed by a server through which all information is exchanged.

The Future of Computerized Taxi Dispatch

Most taxi fleet companies depended on MDT combined zone dispatching even a few years back. But currently, the trend of taxi booking apps have become so popular that traditional dispatch systems are slowly going out of practice. Most companies are shifting towards developing their own taxi-booking app to survive in the race.

Computerized taxi systems can help revolutionize how we know the travel industry. From being able to get passengers on board quicker to building customer loyalty, it is often these computerized taxi software dispatch systems that can decide how successful a business eventually will be.