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Vodafone refitting taxis to make them phone friendly

by Janani Krishnaswamy on 3 May 2011, 15:50

Tags: Vodafone (LON:VOD)

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Branded trains coming soon!

As part of a £10m advertising campaign by Vodafone, a fleet of branded taxis for the first time will allow all passengers to recharge their phones on the move, and also pay for their cab rides using their phones.

Vodafone UK chief exec Guy Laurence said "We are committed to offering London the best possible network. We have already made hundreds of improvements to increase coverage, capacity and reliability to ensure Londoners can always stay in touch with friends and family."

The mobile payment system is not NFC-based. "Our fantastic fleet of Union Jack cabs and their on-board chargers which anyone can use, all Londoners will be able to see our continuing commitment to the capital, "he added.

To register to pay by mobile in any Vodafone branded taxi, "Vodafone customers should call 0845 680 3409. Once registered, customers can also pay by text: Just text the word ‘Taxi' followed by your taxi's number and the amount you want to pay to 31255 - for example: ‘Taxi 9000 10.00'."

Vodafone says this is a free service and will not be charged for any calls or texts.  The first fleet of hundreds of taxis will be wrapped with over 2000 London street names. Within six weeks all Heathrow Express trains will get the same treatment.