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4. Digital Dispatch System Overview <br />DDS is a user friendly computer network using a Windows set up to facilitate ease of <br />tracking and use by dispatchers. Dispatchers are able to instantaneously dispatch the <br />closet taxicab to a call using the GPS system. The system can simultaneously track, dispatch, <br />and assign over 1000 calls at a time with up to 400 taxi cab units. We can track the progress <br />and the estimated arrival time of each call with much greater precision than an otherwise <br />educated guess. This is useful when a customer calls back requesting the status of their <br />taxicab. The dispatcher is also able to identify drivers that have passengers as the taximeter <br />is connected to the system. The system is also able to identify when a "flag" trip is picked <br />up by a driver. Customers appreciate the exact estimated arrival times and locations of their <br />responding taxicabs. <br />The dispatcher has access to Global Positioning System Data. The dispatcher is able to <br />use the GPS capabilities to know the exact location within 3 meters of each vehicle. Vehicle <br />status is also displayed, whether in service, in transit to a call request, or preparing to clear <br />the current call the driver is on. The speed of the vehicle is also prominently displayed next <br />to the drivers unit number on the Supervisor screen. Vehicles may also be expanded upon to <br />show the exact location of vehicles with address and street/landmark information also avail- <br />able. <br />DDS uses in vehicle Mobile Data Terminals with available mapping software. MDTs <br />provide drivers with up to the minute details about where taxis are positioned and the num- <br />ber of drivers. Zone based queuing is available for drivers to review at the touch of a button <br />to allow drivers to strategically position themselves based on where they are or want to be. <br />An expected upgrade in Fall of 2005 will allow drivers to utilize the touch screen mapping <br />system available with DDS to indicate the best route to destinations. <br />Drivers are able to position for calls in areas they are in and see the status of zones. <br />The "lining up" or "queuing up" up of drivers is simple, with drivers being able to find open <br />zones or preferable zones on their Mobile Date Terminal (MDT). Drivers may book into <br />zones they are in for the next call or they may competitively bid for trips. Competitive bids <br />occur when a call is available in a zone without a driver stationed in the zone. DDS uses a <br />geographical system bid whereby the driver's bid is affected by their proximity to the call . <br />The DDS system and enhanced customer service. The most notable enhanced feature is <br />with the use of electronic approval of credit cards. The noiseless "swipe" system ensures <br />maximum passenger satisfaction within seconds. Other enhanced features include the ability <br />of the DDS to perform automatic call outs upon arrival of taxicabs to their pick up locations. <br />Reports regarding exact locations of passengers picked up, time and date stamps, and dis- <br />patched vehicles are also available. <br />