TaxiCom 95: International Survey of Leading Innovational Taxi Communications and Operations Approaches

NHTSA · 1995 · ROSA P / United States. Dept. of Transportation. Office of Research and Special Programs

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Summary

This report, *TaxiCom ‘95*, provides an authoritative overview of the state-of-the-art in taxi communications and operations technologies in Western Europe, intended to inform U.S. transit, paratransit, and taxi operators. Prepared by EcoPlan International, Leber Planificacion, and GARDNER Consulting Planners for the Federal Transit Administration, the study updates a 1985 survey to document the rapid evolution of "TaxiCom"—a term encompassing computer dispatch, mobile data transmission, fleet management software, vehicle location systems, and related telecommunications technologies. The research was motivated by the need to help U.S. communities understand European advancements, as the U.S. had lagged in adopting these technologies despite favorable economics and growing market needs driven by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the expansion of paratransit services. The methodology involved a six-month research period in 1994 and 1995, focusing on Western European developments. The report synthesizes data from operator profiles, supplier analyses, and case studies, including specific examples from cities like San Sebastian, Paris, and London. It examines the structural changes in the industry, noting the shift from monolithic systems to modular, PC-based architectures that allow for greater flexibility and lower costs. The study also analyzes the economic implications, detailing capital investments and operational efficiencies, while exploring the broader policy context, including the role of public sector attitudes and the integration of taxi services into wider urban mobility frameworks. Key findings indicate that TaxiCom adoption in Europe accelerated significantly after 1985, with the number of on-line vehicles and systems growing rapidly. The report highlights that initial capital investments have decreased due to improved hardware performance and modularity, with estimated costs for a 500-taxi fleet ranging from $300,000 to $400,000 for the control room and $3,000 to $4,000 per vehicle for mobile equipment. Operators report substantial benefits, including improved productivity, simplified record-keeping, reduced driver stress, and increased market share. In some regions, such as Scandinavia and the UK, on-line operators captured significant portions of specialized demand, including up to 50% of social service business and 70% of mobility-handicapped demand. The study notes that once installed, TaxiCom systems are rarely abandoned, and competition among operators has driven further adoption, particularly in large cities like Paris. The significance of this report lies in its conclusion that TaxiCom is becoming the norm rather than the exception in European taxi operations, offering a model for U.S. implementation. The authors argue that these technologies can reshape taxi operations and improve synergy with public transportation and social services. They recommend that U.S. communities and operators evaluate the feasibility of TaxiCom applications to address mobility challenges, particularly for paratransit and specialized services. The report suggests integrating TaxiCom technologies into broader Intelligent Transportation Systems frameworks, emphasizing that the lessons from European pioneers can help U.S. operators overcome transportation barriers and enhance service quality in the 21st century.

Key finding

European taxi operators have widely adopted TaxiCom systems, transforming the industry from manual dispatching to computerized operations, while U.S. communities have significantly lagged in similar technological implementation.

Methodology

review

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