On-demand cab service Taxi Magic announced today that it is changing its name to Curb and has appointed a new CEO.
The D.C.-based company, which first launched in Chicago in 2009, works by connecting riders to licensed taxi drivers. The mobile app allows for convenient and fast booking, takes away the need to physically hail a cab, and offers seamless payment. If it sounds similar to Uber, that's because it is. The difference being that Curb works only with taxis and other professionally licensed drivers.
And with all the recent controversy surrounding Uber and similar ridesharing companies that use part-time drivers, Curb believes it has developed a lasting business model.
“We are excited to enter the Curb era and bring much-needed ‘constructive innovation’ to taxi and other forms of ground transportation," newly appointed CEO Patrick Lashinsky said in a news release. "Curb will redefine how consumers experience reliable, safe rides from professional drivers spanning taxis and sedans. We place game-changing software directly in your pocket that seamlessly guides the curb-to-curb experience of a ride - while providing drivers and providers with the tools to innovate, improve and flourish.”
Before being named to the top spot at Curb, Lashinsky was the CEO of the real estate website ZipRealty. Now at Curb, he's ushering in some new features to the company, such as expanding he number of partnering professional drivers and implementing an improved taxi service that creates faster pickup times, automatic “touchless” payment, intensive driver training and improved rider ratings, the release said. The improved service is already in Los Angeles and is rolling out to Chicago and Dallas now. Current Taxi Magic users can update the app to access Crub.
Curb has raised $35 million so far and is currently in 60 cities around the United States. It works with more than 35,000 taxis and 6,500 for-hire vehicles nationwide. In Chicago, Curb works with 10 cab companies in Cook, DuPage, and southern Lake counties.
Image via Curb
