I’ve lived in big cities most of my adult life, and like to consider myself fairly travel-savvy. But for whatever reason, I’m awful at hailing taxis. While others simply look up, snap their fingers — and poof — 5 cabs appear, I wait forever, wander around the block, wave my arms frantically, and nothing happens.
One New York cab driver and entrepreneur may have just the solution I need. Jason Diaz has just launched 1-800-cab-ride.com — a company which he hopes can be the premiere nationwide sales organization for the taxi business. Diaz hopes that becoming the only big name brand in what’s otherwise a series of mom and pop businesses, that he’ll do for the taxi industry what 1-800-flowers did for the flower delivery business.
It seems even more straightforward than you think. Not only does the service let you book taxis in advance, you pay a flat fee up front — fare, tip and taxes included — with your credit card, so there’s no need to find a cash machine every time you need a ride. Plus, no risk of being overcharged in a city you’re not familiar with by an unscrupulous driver who keeps “getting lost.”
Awesome!