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In the driving tweet: Londoners join website to book black cabs
Mark Prigg, Science and Technology Editor9 Mar 2010
A Twitter service that allows you to book a black cab with a single message has become an online hit with thousands of users.
The website, which was founded eight months ago, has expanded to include 80 drivers, and has more than 3,500 followers on Twitter.
To make a booking, users tweet the service with their journey details. Operators then send this message to drivers signed up to the service.
If one is available, they can respond and the cab is booked.
Cabbie Karl James, who set up the service, said: “What we've created is an information service for drivers.
Using Twitter we can all let each other know about jobs coming up, but also about roadworks, jams and even which taxi ranks are empty or full.
It seemed obvious to extend that so that customers could book via Twitter.
“Hopefully this service can improve our image. We also want to let people know you can book a black cab without having to pay booking fees.”
The service will soon become part of Transport for London's Safer Travel at Night scheme.
Reader views (1)
It isnt only Londoners using this service; I come to London several times a year and have used tweetalondoncab on every visit since I discovered them last summer.
I have found them extremely professional and reliable... and great fun too. Makes the journey a pleasure rather than simply a way to get from one place to another....
- Linda Dodds, St Helier, Jersey, 09/03/2010 18:02
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