Vodafone is sponsoring hundreds of London taxis, putting ‘universal’ mobile phone chargers in them and also introducing m-payments. The taxis will be wrapped in a Union Jack design, as will Heathrow Express trains. It’s part of a ‘London Calling’ advertising campaign focussed on the network’s performance in the city.
Customers who want to pay for their taxi fare by mobile phone need to register by calling 0845 680 3409. It’s then possible to pay by SMS text message; customers will text the word ‘Taxi’ followed by the taxi’s licence number and the payment amount to a special code. The service is currently free, with Vodafone customers not paying for any service charge, calls or texts.
Guy Laurence, Vodafone UK Chief Executive, 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. Now with 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.”
All ‘wrapped’ taxis will be fitted with Vodafone universal chargers by August.