MANILA, Philippines – A taxi company in Davao City now has the most advanced mode of payment for cabs after installing ATM debit card terminals in its units.
Twenty Mabuhay black taxis, modeled after the black taxis of London, now accept fare payments from passengers using Bancnet and Megalink ATM debit cards.
A GPS system has also been installed in each unit, meaning their location and the driver's speed can now be monitored.
“Noon sinasabi ng pasahero na dadaan muna tayo sa ATM, magwi-withdraw. So now, we give convenience sa pasahero na sa loob na ng taxi pwede niyang i-swipe ang ATM,” said Mabuhya Taxi assistant manager RyanTan.
The innovations also have security benefits since ATM payments mean the drivers have little cash on hand and won't be a target for robbers.
The GPS, on the other hand, is a carjacking deterrent since the units can be located anywhere.
The added technology comes at no added cost to commuters because Mabuhay Taxi charges the same as other taxis.
The Department of Tourism hopes the high-tech taxis will attract more tourists to Davao City. -- Report from Claire Cornelio, ABS-CBN News Davao