Taxi licensing chiefs have given the go-ahead for the installation of free wi-fi in Edinburgh’s private hire vehicles and hackney taxis.
Funding for the free service is to come from a range of commercial sponsors, in conjunction with top taxi advertising firm Ubiquitous. A 15-second advert will be played every 15-minutes but passengers will have the option to skip the ad after a period of 5-seconds.
A similar service was introduced in London black cabs earlier this year, with Microsoft, Heathrow Airport and Styloko among the companies paying the bill. So far the London scheme has been hailed a success, leading to plans to expand free WiFI to other major UK cities.
Cost Implications
Trade response was initially wary. Tony Kenmuir, of Central Taxis, researched the idea of installing free WiFI in their fleet of 445 black cabs.
Tony commented: “I’ve looked into this but the data costs were high. If this new service is genuinely providing free unlimited data then I’ll sign up straight away.
“I’m slightly cynical about the cost, given you’ll have taxi drivers parked up in lay-bys and ranks watching TV and internet on their phones and iPads.
“However, if big companies want to come in and pay for it then I’m sure it will be a success.”
Stamp of Approval
The proposal has since been accepted by the licensing committee, on the condition that applications are received before any equipment is installed.
Councillor Gavin Barrie said: “The committee has agreed that wi-fi technology may be installed in private hire vehicles and taxis licensed by the council, provided that they meet the necessary criteria.
“For the first time, Edinburgh taxi and private hire firms and owners can now apply to have the technology in their vehicles and a number have already expressed an interest.”