A new taxi dispatch service has started operations and aims to have all taxis in its network able to take credit and debit card payments and have GPS access.

The company is in the process of ramping up its services, which will give customers the ability to contact drivers through a variety of methods, from hailing and phone calls, to mobile apps and eventually web bookings.

Premierco-op Transportation is a joint venture between Co-op Taxi Transportation and Premier Transportation.

Hewvonnie Brown, of Premierco-op, said: “We are excited about this opportunity and in the next few months our goal is to ramp up operations as fast as we can before the holiday season arrives; and well ahead of next year’s America’s Cup event.

“We are very much focused on achieving the best service both for our customers and members.”

The company has linked up with YAWPa, a Bermudian-based transport platform company, to provide and support “innovative technology and administration”.

YAWPa is owned by Agility Ltd, which operates the EasyPark system on the island. It has a partnership with Digicel, which Premierco-op said “will benefit Premierco-op in rationalising necessary communications and hardware costs”.

The YAWPa mobile app is available at iTunes and Google Play stores for Android and Apple devices.

In a statement, Premierco-op noted “that one of the critical needs for the Bermuda market is the ability to book taxi rides a day, a week or more in advance; and for customers to have efficient means to interact directly with drivers and their favourite drivers”.

Taxi drivers aligned with the new operator will benefit through insurance, tyre and gas discounts for members.

George Scott, of Co-op Taxi Transportation, said: “We fully support the mobility of the terminal whereby the Taxi Operator can answer an offer for dispatched work anywhere.

“The opportunity to partner with Premier Transportation and YAWPa provides a way for us not only to do this, but to ensure we can offer the best service to our customers.”

Premierco-op Transportation has a website at www.premierco-op.com; a Facebook page named PremiercoopBda and can also be reached at 824-7000. See related media link for full press release.