A new mobile app for iPhones and Android-powered devices aims to connect taxi cab operators with passengers by augmenting the process of finding a ride and providing a platform for cashless payments. In a style similar to successful transportation network apps such as Uber and SideCar, Taxi Tico is a company that seeks to bring higher efficiency to public transportation in Costa Rica.

Getting a cab in Costa Rica is not always a straight-forward proposition. Although there seems to be no shortage of the iconic red cabs roaming around San Jose and other major cities in Costa Rica, passengers often experience difficulties when the following situations arise:

• When it rains and all available taxis seem to magically disappear. At rush hour.
•  When payday falls on a Friday.
•  During busy holidays.
• In rural areas, particularly early in the morning.

Calling the dispatch service of taxi companies is mostly a hit-and-miss endeavor. There is usually a single employee handling all radio and telephone communications, which often results in phone calls being unanswered and long waiting times. These are just some of the issues that Taxi Tico seeks to alleviate with its app.

Expats who live in rural areas are probably familiar with the complexity of giving directions when they call for a taxi. Then Mi Taxi for transportation providers takes care of this by taking advantage of built-in GPS features in the smartphones and tablets used by taxi drivers who join the Taxi Tico transportation network

Passengers who have encountered the unpleasant experience of a taxi driver not being able to make change will certainly appreciate the convenience of registering their credit card with the Taxi Tico network and making a seamless electronic payment.

At this moment, only taxi drivers who have a red cab permit issued by the Ministry of Transportation in Costa Rica can participate in the Taxi Tico network. To learn more about Taxi Tico and Mi Taxi, visit their website and watch their promotional videos.