Though I never really ride taxis, once in awhile I will get the urge to get really drunk over at my friend’s house in downtown San Francisco.  For those occasions, I will resort to calling at least 2 or 3 taxi companies and watch to see which taxi comes first.

Now here’s a website that might change all that calling.  It’s a website called RideCharge that finds your taxis AND you can pay online.

Of course, any site in beta needs a lot of work before they actually work for you as I typed in some random addresses in downtown SF only to find that I need to call the Taxi company.

I am thinking that part of the problem lies in the fact that the RideCharge really needs to partner up with all the cab companies first and set up the system.

UPDATE: Now Luxor Cabs shows up on the system and you can book online.  I will definitely try this route next time I need a cab.

Of course, this will take millions of dollars if you need it working in all metropolitan cities.

Not that I am complaining but I’d like to be able to use this service, if at all possible, in all areas of San Francisco where people do often take taxis.

Anyone can use RideCharge travel software for taxis, sedans, and shuttles. It improves the travel experience, and helps organizations track spending. RideCharge does three things:

1) BOOK online or with a Blackberry: Helps travelers find and book reliable service in unfamiliar cities, online or on a Blackberry / Windows Mobile device. Price comparisons, immediate booking confirmation, an Outlook reminder, and a message to your mobile phone when the car is on the way make using RideCharge very convenient.

2) CHARGE: Let travelers charge rides on a credit card, so they don’t have to carry cash.

3) EXPENSE: Email travelers electronic receipts so they don’t have to collect paper receipts. And, provide travel managers with consolidated reporting.

via mashable