Puerto Vallarta’s two taxi unions have inked an agreement that gives the go ahead for digital technology to be installed in the resort’s cab fleet.
Two international companies will provide technology for digital advertising inside the taxi, as well as equipment to issue receipts (facturas) and allow fares to be paid by credit or debit card. In addition, clients will be able to make hotel and other reservations from inside the cab, and access local maps and tourist information. The vehicles will also be fitted with GPS devices.
Digital advertising on top of the taxi will not be permitted, so as not to “visually contaminate,” the unions agreed.
“This technology will make Vallarta’s taxis more businesslike and productive,” said Carlos Olamendi of UM Umbrella, providers of the new service.
In a “pilot” stage of the program, 30 of the port’s 1,147 taxis will be equipped with the technology – that number is expected to increase over time but only if the cab drivers buy into the concept.
Puerto Vallarta is the first Mexican city to introduce this kind of technology that is now becoming established around the globe, especially in major cities such as New York, London and Toyko, where it is now common to see LCD digital screens either hung from the internal roof of the cab or placed on the back of the driver’s or passenger’s seat.
UM Umbrella hopes to roll out Vallarta’s digitalized taxis within a month, and then expand their business quickly to Guadalajara, Cancun and Los Cabos.