Movile Phone Service #TAXI Can Prevent Drunk Driving in Ironbound

A new system allowing mobile phone users to connect with taxi cabs is getting a big push in Newark. The Ironbound Business Improvement District has signed on to help promote #TAXI, a  service that connects mobile phone users with a safe ride home.

IBID Executive Director Seth A. Grossman said it makes sense for his organization to team with CellWand, the company that introduced #TAXI, to promote the service's benefits.

"Ironbound’s nearly 200 restaurants have made the district one of New Jersey’s top destinations, a place where people meet to share and enjoy great food, shopping and entertainment... [and] our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment," Grossman said. "We believe this service offers an excellent opportunity to promote the Ironbound District’s support for responsible drinking and efforts against drunk driving.”

#TAXI is a “smart” service for mobile phone users that uses advanced technology to detect a caller's location and connect them with local companies providing taxi and livery car services. CellWand receives a percentage of the fee associated with the call, which can be lower than calling 411. The service is available to most mobile phone users, including customers of AT&T, Sprint, T Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon.

Mayor Cory Booker recently tweeted his support for #TAXI to his more than 1.4 million followers on Twitter. Mothers Against Drunk Driving has also been a major supporter, both in Canada where the service was introduced and in the U.S.

Light post banners and specially printed promotional cocktail napkins, coasters and other materials have been distributed throughout the Ironbound to spread the word about #TAXI. The IBID is also promoting the effort via its GoIronbound.com website, in newsletters, on Facebook and at local events such as the recent Portugal Day celebration and Gooch’s Garlic Run. 

“There are lots of good reasons to call #TAXI,” the IBID’s Grossman concluded. “Whether you are in the Ironbound District in Newark or anywhere in the U.S. or Canada that has taxi service, it is easy to remember," Grossman said. "You can even pop #TAXI in your smartphone or download their mobile app. There are no busy signals and the service is based on years of award-winning research and expertise.

"Most importantly, when you are out at a bar or clubs with friends, attending a 
party or eating out at a restaurant, traveling on business, you don’t have a local cab company number at your fingertips or you are having trouble getting a taxi for any reason, #TAXI can help you get home safe and sound.”