Notice of Meeting - Taxi Booking, Pricing and Payment Application

Notice of Meeting - Taxi Booking, Pricing and Payment Application

TO:         All Current Hackney License or Medallion Holders
FROM:  Nicole Murati Ferrer, Esq., Chair, Board of License Commissioners
CC:         Officer Benny Szeto, Hackney Division
DATE:    September 24, 2019
RE:          Presentation by Waave for Taxi Booking, Pricing and Payment Application                                         

As you may be aware, in August 2019, we met with a representative from Waave to discuss the possibility of allowing Cambridge Hackney Drivers to use an application that will book trips, give up front pricing to the passengers and drivers, and allow payment through the application.  Daniel Iger, CEO of Waave, describes it as follows: 

Waave is a marketplace to operate licensed taxicabs with app technology, fixed fares and a community based real-time traffic and driver information system.  All features are easy to use, integrated in one app for passengers and drivers and does not require any additional equipment.  Taxi drivers can directly compete for customers with ride-share companies using fixed-pricing and mobile phone app hailing, billing, and routing.  The benefits for the passengers are: easy to request a taxi; track the arrival of the driver; upfront pricing that shows taxi fares are competitive and often less expensive than ride-sharing apps; automatic payment; and ability to choose specific taxi models.  The benefits for the drivers are: increased business; guaranteed payment; fast payout from Waave; and receive real-time information to target areas where there may be a need for drivers.

While we work with the City Solicitor’s Office to determine whether the application can be used instead of or in addition to the taximeter, we wanted to provide you the opportunity to learn about Waave and inform us whether you have an interest in it.

On October 16, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Cambridge Library, 449 Broadway, in the Lecture Hall, Mr. Iger will give a presentation of the application, its features and how it could work in Cambridge.  Please attend to listen, ask questions and inform us whether the taxi drivers and medallion owners have an interest in adopting such an application in the City of Cambridge.  We will be taking a poll at the end of the presentation to determine whether there is any interest from drivers and owners.  If you cannot attend the presentation but want to voice your support/opposition, please complete the attached ballot and email it to hackney@cambridgema.gov or drop it off at the License Commission.

Any questions, please email hackney@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-6146.  Thank you.

Ballot: Use of Booking, Price Prediction And Payment Application