Technology Drives TaxiCharge Solution to Control Taxi Spend

The taxi industry is no exception to the premise that smart technology must deliver improved time and money savings.

Innovative voucher cards developed by taxi billing specialist TaxiCharge NZ Ltd are now a preferred payment solution over traditional paper-based taxi “chits”.

Customers load controls on their voucher cards to manage their taxi spend via “e-Taxi”, a secure portal available on the TaxiCharge website….www.taxicharge.co.nz

TaxiCharge chief executive Mark Lines says the smart technology enables controls such as:

* Where the voucher can be used.
* The preferred TaxiCharge Partner.
* When it can be used.
* How often it can be used.
* The dollar amount.

“In this business climate where time and money savings are paramount, the voucher card solution eliminates the need for the chit which the accounts department can have trouble reconciling,” says Lines. “It’s a great use of technology for a passenger and their accounts staff.”

Swiping a card through the smart terminal provides a totally secure payment gateway when compared with using a chit, and offers faster processing including a more up to date travel report for the TaxiCharge customer.

Each voucher card has a unique number. Managers can restrict staff access to load controls, thus preventing unauthorised use of a voucher card for travel as well as identifying any non-compliance issues.

In a further security feature, unauthorised voucher cards are immediately rejected in taxis, thus preventing any fraudulent use.

“The voucher card offers the customer flexibility within their travel needs but still maintains that important control,” says Lines.

Voucher card usage grew by nearly 20 per cent in the past financial year to over 450,000 rides via TaxiCharge’s 27 Partner taxi companies throughout New Zealand

Lines adds: “It’s a win-win situation for everybody – for the accounts staff, for the passenger and for the driver, who doesn’t need to manage chits or carry cash.

* TaxiCharge billing and reporting solutions are provided to more than 43,000 customers/account holders and integrated into their accounting software programmes.

www.taxicharge.co.nz