In June, Chicago became the latest city with GoFastCab (gofastcab.com), a free service that enables you to hail a taxi by text. Need a lift? Simply send your address to 777222, then keep an eye out for a yellow car.
There’s no hailing occupied cabs or waiting on hold to speak to an operator. And no fee beyond that of a normal text (and the fare, of course). You can even text STATUS to GoFastCab to get an update on your digital hail.
At 7:56 one recent weeknight, I texted my address to 777222 and within seconds received a confirmation text. At 7:59, an operator called me with news that my lift would arrive in eight minutes. At 8:10 the taxi pulled up in front of my house. Not eight minutes, but not bad.
On a busy street at a normal hour, you probably don’t need this service. But when it’s 4 a.m. and you’re on some dark side street in need of a lift, the service could be a lifesaver.