#TAXI Mobile Service Connects Bar Goers With An Easy Way To Get Home Safely
NEW YORK, NY (October 26, 2009) – Zoom Media & Marketing, a leading provider of targeted and digital out-of-home media programs for brand advertisers, and CellWand Communications Inc., a leading provider of on-demand services for mobile phone users, today announced a broad-reaching partnership to promote usage of its #TAXI® (#8-2-9-4) mobile phone service. #TAXI – pronounced “pound taxi” – is an easy to use mobile phone application that connects callers to the first available local taxicab company. The service will be heavily promoted across Zoom’s nationwide network of bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as a means of encouraging bar goers to make their last call of the night one that will get them home safely.
By simply calling #TAXI (#-8-2-9-4) on their mobile phone, callers can get connected to the first available taxicab company serving their local calling area or select the cab company of their choice in any city or town across the USA. #TAXI uses its proprietary taxi database rating system and various technologies to quickly connect callers to the appropriate taxicab dispatch. #TAXI also avoids busy signals and connects callers to the first open dispatch, helping to avoid frustrating busy signals at peak calling times.
Supported by AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless amongst other wireless carriers in the USA, #TAXI is available to over 215 million mobile phone users. #TAXI is a pay-per-use service similar to 411.
The #TAXI campaign reinforces the Nightlife Industry’s efforts to help patrons enjoy themselves responsibly, while also supporting the ongoing efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to raise awareness of the options patrons always have that allow them to avoid driving while intoxicated and to ensure friends and loved ones get home safely. The campaign will be featured on Zoom’s network of HD digital signage displays in the nation’s top bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as on Zoom’s indoor billboard network in the venues’ restrooms. All campaign ads will highlight #TAXI’s support of MADD.
“Ensuring patrons get home safely is of critical importance to Zoom and our nightlife venue partners,” explains Dan Levi, Senior VP of Digital Media and Strategic Partnerships for Zoom Media & Marketing. “#TAXI is an easy to use service that allows consumers to enjoy their night out safely, and Zoom is thrilled to partner with CellWand so our digital network and indoor billboards can be used to support such a positive initiative.”
“With #TAXI now available through every one of the major wireless carriers in the USA, the partnership with Zoom and their nationwide nightlife network is timely and critical in being at the “point of need” for a service like #TAXI,” said Nick Quain, CEO of CellWand. “#TAXI also allows nightlife venues to provide their patrons with an easy to remember and easy to use service that supports their efforts to promote responsible drinking while saving lives.”
#TAXI is a national sponsor of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and further supports their prevention message with inclusion in many #TAXI marketing messages such as this initiative with Zoom.
“We are very pleased #TAXI is helping to make our streets safer,” said Laura Dean-Mooney, MADD National President. “#TAXI helps those 21 and older by providing an easy way to designate a sober driver and prevent drunk driving.”
In addition to the ongoing promotion of the #TAXI service, Zoom and CellWand will work together to bring additional partners into the program and support MADD with other pro-social messaging programs.
#TAXI is available for $1.25 to $1.79 per call, depending on the wireless carrier and takes no money from taxi companies.
About Zoom Media & Marketing
Zoom Media & Marketing operates indoor networks in over 10,000 venues including fitness centers, indoor soccer facilities, bowling centers, family entertainment centers, restaurants and nightclubs that reach active consumers. Zoom also has an in-house event marketing and promotion department that constructs custom media placements and marketing programs. With over 25,000 digital screens and over 55,000 billboard locations Zoom reaches over 100 million monthly viewers. Zoom is owned by the de Gaspé Beaubien family and ABS Capital Partners. For more information, please visit www.zoommedia.com.
About CellWand Communications Inc.
CellWand is North America’s leading provider of mobile search applications through abbreviated dialing codes. Utilizing location based technology, voice recognition and intelligent databases, these lifestyle applications give mobile phone users an easier way of connecting to businesses and information, while providing wireless carriers with increased Average Revenue Per User (ARPU).
CellWand’s first application, #TAXI® (Pound Taxi) is available on virtually every mobile phone in Canada with Bell Mobility, Fido, Rogers, TELUS, Virgin Mobile, Aliant, MTS and SaskTel, and now in the U.S. with AT&T, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, Alltel and Boost Mobile. CellWand is a privately held company founded in January 2000 with its headquarters in Toronto, Canada and was recently recognized by IDC as one of the 10 Canadian Wireless Companies to Watch in 2008. #TAXI is a proud corporate sponsor of MADD and MADD Canada as part of promoting an easy way to plan ahead and get home safely after drinking. For more information visit CellWand’s website at www.CellWand.com and www.poundtaxi.com.
About MADD
MADD launched its Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving in 2006 and it entails advocating for more law enforcement, interlocks for all drunk drivers, development of advanced technologies and grassroots support.MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. MADD is a 501 (c) (3) charity with approximately 200 offices and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 270,000 lives. For more information, visit www.madd.org.
9/26/2010