My mother used to tell me, "Son, when I was in high school and a guy would pick me up for a date- I would leave my parents house for the evening with three things in my purse: a hairbrush, makeup, and....a dime." Of course, being of a new generation I was confused and remember responding, "A dime?" "Yes," she said, "to make a phone call in case anything went wrong." We both laughed as she joked on how she could threaten a guy, "Hey buddy, watch it- I've got this dime!"
The value of a dime isn't what it used to be, but a parents' concern and need for any extra peace of mind for their child certainly hasn't changed. The same way modern day parent's used to receive a dime before leaving home, they are now sending their own children off to school with a Taxi On Demand, "TOD," card. That's right, a Taxi On Demand card. How many of you have either been told by their parents or told your own children before they leave the house, "I don't care what happens or what time it is, if you find yourself in a dangerous situation you call me and I'll come get you." I know I heard that same speech every time I walked out the door in high school, but as I left for college 6 hours away from home my parents didn't have that same luxury of offering me that "way out." The Taxi On Demand card fills that void like no other solution before. Taxi On Demand is a prepaid taxi card that can ONLY be used for taxis. Brilliantly, if the cardholder tries to use the card at the bar, ATM, gas station, etc. it will get DECLINED. By running on the Discover Network, the TOD is accepted in over 10,000 cabs nationwide. Not to be lost in this unique product, is a 24/7 call center that can connect you to participating cab companies within your area just in case you have trouble hailing/calling a cab.
Most all universities offer a late night weekend shuttle or maybe even a student run program consisting of volunteers giving students safe rides. These programs have no doubt saved lives but they also have their limitations. For instance, service is only offered on certain days of the week, certain routes, certain times, and obviously only on that particular campus. Taxi On Demand is able to eliminate those shortcomings with a 24/7, 365, nationwide service. Because of the TOD card, students are now able to take their safe ride with them to spring break, home for the summer, at an unfamiliar campus for a football game, or wherever it may be.
Fifty-four percent of students ages 18-24 have admitted to riding with a drunk driver or driving drunk themselves in the past year alone. Females are constantly walking home long distances late at night by themselves. Focus groups show that students would rather risk riding, driving, or walking unsafely before spending their own money on a safe ride. However, a TOD card that is already paid for and can't be used for anything else makes the student far more willing to make the responsible decision.
Obviously, the students typically aren't the ones to buy a Taxi On Demand card- it's their parents. And what parent wouldn't want to purchase one of these for their child and for their own peace of mind? The best part is that Taxi On Demand rewards universities, SGA's, Greek Life, etc. with a significant portion of every card sold at that school which can go to the organization/department of their choosing.
To offer greater protection for your students, peace of mind to your parents, and acquire an additional stream of revenue, make sure that every young adult on your campus has their "dime" via a Taxi On Demand card.
Find out more about TOD at
www.taxiondemand.com or by contacting Dane Bradshaw
dane@taxiondemand.com.
Dane Bradshaw
Taxi On Demand
Knoxville, TN