Taxi-Finding App Hailo Launches in DC

Though Hailo is already available in another 11 cities, including London, Tokyo, and
New York, it calls itself “the DC taxi app.” The business, which launched on Monday
in a Florida Avenue townhouse, promises it will provide a DC taxi to users “wherever
you are, whenever you want. All it takes is two taps.” So far, according to founder
and CEO
Jay Bregman, Hailo represents only DC taxis but hopes soon to include Maryland and Virginia drivers.

The app, first launched in London, is designed to be driver- and passenger-friendly.
For drivers who don’t have a smartphone (is there such a thing?) Hailo will provide
a Samsung S2 smartphone for a monthly fee of $60. Passengers download the app, which keeps a credit card on file, similar to Uber or
Taxi Magic. No cash is exchanged between passenger and driver. For a limited time, the website is offering a $10 “founding passenger” credit.* The app shows nearby taxis, and the meter doesn’t start running
until the passenger taps the “passenger on board” icon. After that it’s the regular
fare plus $1.50. The app also provides a means for passengers to rate the drivers.

“We’ve always tried to be open and up-front about the way in which we charge,” said
Bregman at a small midday opening party at the taxi-cab-yellow Hailo DC office on
Monday. He had just arrived from New York, where the company is headquartered and
where he lives. “We’re a matchmaking business. We charge a commission either to the
driver or the passenger, depending on the local market. In the US we charge the passenger
a small fee. Ultimately we’re looking to create the most liquid network.”

Bregman said once a passenger signs up for the app it can be used in any of Hailo’s
11 cities, where 40,000 drivers have been verified. In DC, so far, Hailo has verified
500 drivers, he said. He also said he’s found the city, in particular City Council
transportation chair
Mary Cheh, to be helpful and accommodating. Bregman said he expected Cheh to drop by the new
office at some point today.

At the office, cab drivers can sign up to be in the network, as is happening here.

*This post has been updated from a previous version. 

Carol Ross Joynt