Capital area taxicabs

[DaveNF2G]

I just vox recorded all of the taxi frequencies and talkgroups that I had in my data for the Albany area. There was zero traffic over 3 weekdays. I also checked via Google and found that almost all of the known companies have gone out of business (submitted to DB). I had 13 unidentified taxi freqs/groups for Albany, Saratoga, and Washington counties and they are all silent.

I think Uber and Lyft have demolished the dispatch taxi industry. There are several taxis running around the area, but they are owner operated and get their business via cellphone or apps. Even the fleets that still exist (Spinner, Latham, and maybe others) are not using two-way radio any more. Their websites advise customers to book via apps.

 

[KS2A]

I just vox recorded all of the taxi frequencies and talkgroups that I had in my data for the Albany area. There was zero traffic over 3 weekdays. I also checked via Google and found that almost all of the known companies have gone out of business (submitted to DB). I had 13 unidentified taxi freqs/groups for Albany, Saratoga, and Washington counties and they are all silent.

I think Uber and Lyft have demolished the dispatch taxi industry. There are several taxis running around the area, but they are owner operated and get their business via cellphone or apps. Even the fleets that still exist (Spinner, Latham, and maybe others) are not using two-way radio any more. Their websites advise customers to book via apps.

Thanks for sharing that, Dave. Did you include overnights in that effort? Asking as a couple of times recently I caught cabs home from the airport late at night (between midnight and 2 AM) because they were out front of the terminal and a few bucks cheaper than Uber when almost no Uber drivers are out. Minivans and SUVs without company color schemes, just regular paint and livery-series plates. Wasn't thinking to notice radios but I'm vaguely recalling quick call-ins from the drivers to check fares and that was it.

 

[chrismol1]

My findings in the capital area over some years ago are the same. I miss the cabs a decade ago overnight weekends, it was the best. Remember the capital land dispatcher lady? At least I think it was or Yellow. She was a hoot. I loved when they hit the radio mic while on the phone, especially with difficult customers and let the drivers know what they were dealing with. Haha

 

[DaveNF2G]

Thanks for sharing that, Dave. Did you include overnights in that effort? Asking as a couple of times recently I caught cabs home from the airport late at night (between midnight and 2 AM) because they were out front of the terminal and a few bucks cheaper than Uber when almost no Uber drivers are out. Minivans and SUVs without company color schemes, just regular paint and livery-series plates. Wasn't thinking to notice radios but I'm vaguely recalling quick call-ins from the drivers to check fares and that was it.

The recording was done for a straight 72 hours.