A local taxi service is introducing an app for customers to book a cab via their phones.

Bermuda Island Taxi Service announced it is launching Mobile Transport, initially for Android phones and extending to other devices in the months ahead.

“Tourism is the backbone of our economy, and tourists love apps,” said Neli Outerbridge of the taxi company. “It is what they use at home to e-hail taxis, and we want to provide them the same experience here.

“Of course, it will be available to everyone not just tourists. Customers can book and prepay for a ride using their smart phones. A small booking fee would be charged for each booking.”

The service is expected to change the way the Island’s transportation operates, in keeping with international trends, she said.

The announcement came shortly after economist Craig Simmons predicted that the next wave of change coming for local business would come from apps like Uber and Airbnb, which enable customers to book taxis and accommodation respectively.

Mobile Transport uses a platform from Logistrics, a Canadian company which specifically targets the transportation sector.

The app, which also allows customers to track their taxi and get a receipt by e-mail, can be downloaded free from Google or iTunes, as well as the website www.bermudaislandtaxi.com.