A Waterford taxi company has become the first in Ireland to take bookings through Facebook Messenger.
Rapid Cabs has launched the service ahead of the Christmas season.
"With the ability to request and track a ride in Messenger, we're making transportation as simple as sending a message" explained Rapid Cabs Managing Director Eric O'Brien.
"With this new feature, you can request a ride from us without ever needing to download an extra app or have a conversation. It's so easy and doesn't take you away from the plans that you're making with your friends or family."
Rapid Cabs will also provide updates on waiting times via Messenger.
"Driver status updates will get delivered to a private conversation between you and Rapid Cabs. With everything in one place, you can seamlessly keep track of your ride".
O'Brien doesn't think this will affect the amount of app usage, "It's just another way of making our service easier. If the technology is there, we do our best to make it available to our Waterford customers."
Rapid Cabs is a licensed taxi dispatch operator by the National Transport Authority and all of its drivers are fully Garda vetted, insured and licensed.
Open and accessible 24 hours a day 365 days a year, Rapid Cabs also has a computerised booking dispatch system from its local taxi call centre and has installed in-car driver devices in all of its taxis to ensure as such efficiency as possible.
Its App is available for free on Apple and Android.
