Telus To Install Mobile Device Chargers in Taxis

Toronto taxi driver Angelo Georgilas: “I am asked multiple times every day by customers if I can charge their phone for them.”Telus, in partnership with Play Taxi Media, has signed an agreement with several cab companies in four Canadian cities through 2015 to install phone chargers in at least 1,000 taxicabs.

Recognizing that phones tend to die during inconvenient moments, the telecom giant hopes to alleviate a little of that anxiety. “From the late-night crowd trying to meet friends, to business professionals who need to jump on a conference call, phone charging stations in taxis are a great solution to this common predicament,” added Zachary Killam, CEO of Play Taxi Media.

Putting the problem in perspective, Toronto taxi driver Angelo Georgilas said, “I am asked multiple times every day by customers if I can charge their phone for them. Sometimes they have conference calls in the cab and need a charge. Now they can actually get one in the backseat.”

The charging docks will be installed in the passenger seat headrest and will work with “any phone or tablet,” according to Telus’ press release. Perhaps more important than the charger itself, “cabs will also be equipped with a note on the window to remind customers to grab their phone before they go.”

Participating companies include Blacktop & Checker Cabs in Vancouver, Mayfair Taxi in Calgary, Ambassador Taxis in Toronto and Taxi Union in Montreal, with more taxi companies set to join in the coming months.

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