I'm making an assumption, but I think the reason cab drivers also want to accept cash is to avoid taxes...
If cab drivers report more rides to their home office, then they have to pay taxes on that money.
I'm guessing this as well as the fees associated with credit cards are both reasons why cabbies prefer cash.
Maybe the home office also takes a cut of proceeds for the day.
Next time I'm in a cab, I'll mention this. Although, I stick to trains & buses mostly these days cuz I'm cheap.
The drivers lease the cabs, and the owners of the cabs care less what they report. The cabbies are independent contractors. The cab owners don't handle any of their financial work with the except of processing their credit card sales, of which the cabbies have to wait to get paid, couple with paying for the privilege of using that service. It's even against the law for a cabbie to not accept credit cards. He'll lose his license. As far as preferring cash, it's to their best interest to have as little on their person as possible due to thieves. Same as the pizza delivery guy, but unlike the pizza guy, a cabbie can't just go home after each fare or two and put his cash in a cookie jar. He's on the road for the duration of his shift, otherwise he loses money. BTW, his shift consists of whatever hours he wants to work, more or less, depending on the availability of the leased cab.
So if I understand this right, the driver and the rider needs a to set up a Bit-pay account before they can use this service.
I don't think this is the case. Correct me if I'm wrong, but only the cabbie needs to set up an account.
Again, with the option for direct deposit to a bank account, there's little reason for a driver with the smartphone tech to NOT accept bitcoins now (he can always charge a premium if he wants.)
During slow periods, Rashid just fires up his Twitter account and announces sales. He could even do a promotion with Bitcoin. It doesn't necessary mean he'll get a sale directly after announcing a sale, but by him doing such, it affords him brand awareness--Chicago Cabbie--possibly for a future fare.
~Bruno~
