Safety and convenience come first now that debit card payments are becoming the new payment standard in taxi transport.
The taxi industry is facing a turning point when it comes to payment options. Although cash payment has long been the norm, the focus is increasingly shifting to digital payment options such as debit card payments and credit card transactions. This change raises questions about the willingness and ability of taxi drivers to adopt these technologies, as well as the financial and safety implications associated with them.
A significant number of taxi drivers still do not offer customers the option to pay by card. This situation may arise from the cost of the necessary equipment or from the preference for cash. However, carrying large amounts of cash poses significant safety risks to drivers. It is therefore remarkable that debit cards are not yet seen as a standard payment method everywhere in the taxi industry.
commissions
The use of credit cards is even more sensitive for many drivers, mainly due to the high commissions that have to be paid on each transaction. Unlike PIN transactions, which charge a fixed amount per transaction, credit card transactions charge a percentage of the transaction amount. These commissions vary depending on the card processor, and can be as high as 2,50% per transaction. In addition, there may be additional costs, such as connection costs, which can be either one-off or periodic.
Another concern for taxi drivers is the risk of chargebacks on credit card payments. This situation can arise when customers, often tourists, object to the debit after returning home. Such chargebacks can be a financial burden for drivers. Nevertheless, refusing credit cards based on nationality or country of issue is against EU regulations. Taxi drivers may be selective in accepting certain brands of credit cards, but not based on the country in which the card is issued.
An interesting development in the taxi industry is the introduction of Pitane Pallas, a software solution for taxi drivers. This software makes the use of PIN equipment unnecessary. After the ride, customers can scan a QR code with their own smartphone and pay securely via their own banking app. This method offers a higher level of trust and security, as customers do not have to insert their bank cards into strange devices. Payments can be made via various methods such as iDeal, PayPal, Bancontact or credit card.
more customer-oriented
One of the most striking features of Pitane Pallas is that it eliminates the need for a separate agenda package and can even be linked to Chiron when this is necessary for the Belgian market. Taxi drivers and taxi companies are also not dependent on external planners, planning systems or dispatchers. This independence allows drivers to work independently and flexibly, an essential trait in an industry characterized by unpredictable schedules and customer demands.
Moreover, Pitane Pallas makes it possible for drivers to share assignments among themselves. This aspect of the software is particularly useful in situations where a customer contacts directly a driver who is not available at the time. The ability to share orders provides a seamless service experience for the customer and promotes collaboration between drivers.
In terms of costs, Pitane Pallas is attractively priced in the Dutch and Belgian markets. The software is offered for only 49,50 euros per month, excluding VAT. This pricing makes the software accessible to a wide range of taxi companies, from small independent drivers to larger taxi companies.
In addition to operational efficiency, Pitane Pallas also offers administrative benefits. Drivers have access to a driver portal, where they can view the results of the day after their shift. This feature allows drivers to monitor and optimize their performance, leading to better service and potentially higher revenues.
These innovations in the taxi industry point to a future where technology plays a central role in improving efficiency, customer service and collaboration within the sector. With solutions such as Pitane Pallas, the taxi industry is not only becoming more modern and customer-friendly, but also more adapted to the dynamic demands of today's mobility market.
