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by tensor 3380 days ago
You mean like this?

http://www.itbusiness.ca/news/canadian-alternative-to-uber-l...

Sadly it doesn't address any of the problems with cabs in Toronto.

1. Cabs won't take credit cards by claiming "the machine is broken" when it's not, presumably so that they can avoid reporting tips or fees, or they might just skim your card.

2. Cabs are too expensive.

3. Cabs might not even take you if they figure the ride isn't worth it.

This app doesn't allow you to pay, so doesn't help 1. It actually make 2 worse by charging you $2 just to "hail" a cab with it. I mean, seriously? And it doesn't help with 3 either.
4 comments
avtar 3380 days ago
> 1. Cabs won't take credit cards by claiming "the machine is broken" when it's not, presumably so that they can avoid reporting tips or fees, or they might just skim your card.

I find more cabs don't use that excuse now since Uber has been breathing down their necks. Also, since you mention Toronto, there's the Beck Taxi iOS app. With it you can pick the pickup location, destination, hop in the cab, and when leaving the driver declares that the trip is over which charges one's PayPal account. It's not as cheap but if someone wants to use cabs over Uber based on principle then there other convenient options.

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a3camero 3380 days ago
Cabs also often don't give receipts with HST numbers on them. So presumably they're not reporting the HST they may or may not be collecting too.
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flamedoge 3380 days ago
So they seem to get the hailing part but at a cost. Like you said, this doesn't solve the friction in payment. I would prefer something like venmo as payment option (debatable on distribution of fee, etc.). Something like pay to register for drivers and a monthly fee option for reduced pay for frequent users would be good for sustainability.
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ghostly_s 3380 days ago
You may be shocked to learn these exact problems exist with cab companies everywhere in the US, too.
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tensor 3380 days ago
That's not too surprising. Though I will say that NYC cabs are pretty ok, at least I never have to worry about being able to pay with a credit card and they are actually cheaper than Toronto cabs, which really says something.
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