Safety warning over taxi app

An app through which taxi customers can book a ride without going through a cab company launches in Brisbane today.
The first app of its kind in Australia, goCatch has already attracted 400 cab drivers in Sydney, 300 cab drivers in Melbourne and was used by 1300 customers since it launched in those cities a month ago.
However cab companies, who have already launched their own similar apps, have warned about potential safety and licensing issues.

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Developers of goCatch, Andrew Campbell and Ned Moorfield. Photo: Supplied

How it works
While it is currently only available on iPhones, goCatch's creators plan to make it available on Android, Blackberry and Microsoft's Phone 7 systems within months.
The app is the brainchild of two Sydney men, Andrew Campbell and Ned Moorfield, who developed the software in February and launched the scheme in Sydney and Melbourne on June 23.
It won support from the New South Wales government and has the backing of the NSW Taxi Drivers Association.
Queensland Transport is examining the concept.
The app is downloaded free of charge by cab drivers and by customers from iTunes.
The person booking the taxi can see where the cabs are in their immediate area, touch their iPhone screen to "hail" the cab, and track its arrival.
Mr Campbell said the app intended to stop cab drivers wasting time waiting on cab ranks and driving around looking for fares.
"We want to try to make their jobs easier. A lot of time a taxi driver can spend up to half their shift driving around with an empty cab looking for someone to collect," he said."
"Drivers work long shifts and the reason they do that is to try to earn more than the minimum wage."
The views of 250 cab drivers were sought when the software was being developed, he said.
What the cab companies say
Both Yellow Cabs and Black and White cabs already have launched free mobile phone apps linking customers to drivers via companies.
Yellow Cabs general manager Bill Parker warned goCatch was working as a customer network for cabs and would need to be licensed by the Queensland Government.
He said there were safety aspects - particularly for young women - that needed examination.
"The fact is that when people ring cab drivers privately, then there is a security or safety aspect. That is the rule. So I don't think they will be able to operate," he said.
Mr Parker warned police and emergency services would need to be able to track the cab drivers' movements.
Mr Campbell said companies would still be able to track cabs on their own system and disagreed goCatch would not be able to operate in Queensland.
"It is up to the networks to vet drivers and to give them training and give them uniforms and support them offering to get them work,'' he said.
"The government relies on the networks to effectively self-regulate the industry.
"All we are doing is we are making it easier for the networks, for the drivers, for the passengers.''
What a cabbie thinks
Sydney taxi driver Andrew Horne has taken fares via goCatch for a fortnight and believes the scheme will work "very, very well".
He said drivers still worked for the cab companies and simply were able to get extra fares.
"The law says you have to be hooked up to the network and nothing will change on that," he said.
"This will just give them the opportunity to get extra business."

Read more: http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/digital-life/smartphone-apps/safety-warning-over-taxi-app-20110728-1i271.html#ixzz1TT1pTNsY