Plastic fantastic as Glasgow Taxis Ltd rolls out credit card payment machines in cabs
Plastic fantastic as Glasgow Taxis Ltd rolls out credit card payment machines in cabs
Glasgow Taxis Ltd is gearing up for the 2014 Games with the introduction of credit and debit card payment machines in vehicles, a first for the city.
The black taxi company, the biggest in Scotland and largest in the UK outside London, is rolling the new facility out across its cabs from this week.
Customers will be able to pay their fares using chip and pin rather than having to travel to an ATM before or even during the course of their journeys.
It is expected that the facility will be a big hit both with visitors to the city and with those using Glasgow’s nightlife pubs and clubs, especially on the way home at the end of a night out.
Stephen Flynn, vice chair of Glasgow Taxis Ltd, said: “This is something which many of our customers have been asking for and we’re delighted to be able to provide a service which provides even more convenience for them.
“The option to pay by card is being introduced today and will be rolled out across all Glasgow Taxis Ltd vehicles in the months ahead.
“It is a further demonstration of our investment in technology and customer service and very timely with the many major events coming to Glasgow in 2014.
“We’re proud to serve the people of Glasgow as well as the massive volumes of people who visit the city on a daily basis and we trust this new addition will be a welcome option for both.”
The news has been welcomed by political and business leaders across the city.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said: “We are about to welcome the biggest influx of visitors that our city has ever seen, as we prepare to host a preponderance of international events, including the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.
“Our taxi drivers are prized as Glasgow’s ambassadors and will offer many of our visitors with their first and last impressions of the city.
“It is therefore greatly welcomed that Glasgow Taxis is investing in credit and debit card payment machines in vehicles ahead of the Games. The new system will allow for increased ease and convenience for both visitors and locals alike, whilst travelling around the city.”
Stuart Patrick, chief executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, added: “This is great news from our city’s taxi provider and one which will be tremendously popular with customers.
“Taxis are a vital cog in Glasgow’s overall transport infrastructure, particularly for the nighttime economy so initiatives such as this are extremely welcome and I look forward to being able to use my card next time I pick up a cab.”