In order to regulate metropolitan taxi problems and reinforce the power of security, the institute of transportation studies has launched an experimental project regarding smart taxi fleet management. This project tries to evaluate the cost and benefit issues of taxi fleets using automatic vehicle location systems in terms of fleet operation efficiency and public security. The project also reinstates the role and functionality of taxis as a mode of paratransit for metropolitan daily commuters. Functions of IC (integrated circuit) card security mechanism and GPS technology are applied in this project for the sake of safety and license control reasons for cab customers and drivers. Currently, more than 150 taxis have participated in this project, and operation efficiency and income gain have significantly increased. Both cab drivers and riders are pleased to use the system, and the project has built its own reputation as "E-Cab". So far, such a smart taxi dispatching system of ITS has positively interested most of cab fleet operators. However, the preliminary evaluation project will continue until the end of year 2000, then expansion of such a system as well as related enforcement regulation will be considered.
Abstract