Thunder Bay taxi company launches smartphone app

Calling a taxi in Thunder Bay just got a little more smart-phone friendly.

Diamond Lacey's Taxi offers customers a chance to download an app and request a ride using an Iphone or an Android device,withouthaving to make a phone call.

The software is fromGata Labs, a Toronto-based company.

Diamond Lacey's ownerSeija Sekhonsaidcustomers who use the app will also know how long they will have to wait for a ride.

"It gives us the ability to then send you information on how long the taxi will be," she said.

Sekhon added that the driver can give the customer a callback when he or she is a couple of minutes away from the pickup spot.

Shesaidthe one major benefit of using the app is customers will no longer have to wait outside to ensure they get their ride.

"You can always rely on the fact you won't miss your taxi, you won't have to wait outside in the cold and the rain,"she said. "You'll know when your taxi is there."

Sekhon said a few people have used the app so far.She said the company wanted to make sure it worked well before introducing the service full-time.

The app also works in other Canadian cities where cab companies have introduced it.