Application-based commercial ground transportation management system

Abstract

A management system for a Permitting Authority (PA) or its appointed designee to monitor and track application-based commercial ground transportation (ABCT) Provider activity through the ABCT-Driver's mobile device, the ABCT-Provider's app, the ABCT-Provider's computer systems, and the PA's electronically-enabled geo-fence, all without the need for specialized hardware such as transponders or other tracking equipment. Each mobile communication device associated with an ABCT-Vehicle continually transmits information to an ABCT-Provider Information and Communications Technology (“ICT”) System associated with an ABCT-Provider when an application on the mobile communication device is active. The information transmitted by the mobile communication device enables the ABCT-Provider ICT System to identify and monitor the ABCT-Driver's identity, the vehicle information, the geographic locus, and/or the ABCT-Vehicle's activity data.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]A new mode of online enabled application-based commercial ground transportation (ABCT) has necessitated a new process for airports or other geographically-defined authorities, or “Permitting Authorities” (PA), to manage such transportation activity.[0002]Commercial transportation plays an important role in carrying passengers to and from airports. Commercial transportation includes taxicabs, limousines, busses, and shuttle vans. Commercial transportation also includes ABCT—online enabled application-based platforms used to connect passengers with drivers using their commercial or personal non-commercial vehicles. ABCT-Providers include what is known in the State of California as Transportation Network Companies (TNCs). Commercial transportation to and from airports is a lucrative business, with drivers typically earning their highest fares overall on trips to and from airports.[0003]State and local governments regulate the various modes of commercial transportation o...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention is related to a management system for a Permitting Authority or its appointed designee to monitor and track ABCT-Provider activity through the ABCT-Driver's mobile device, the ABCT-Provider's application (“app”), the ABCT-Provider's computer systems, and the PA's electronically-enabled geographic coordinates (“geo-fence”), all without the need for specialized hardware such as transponders or other tracking equipment. Each mobile communication device associated with an ABCT-Vehicle continually transmits information to an ABCT-Provider Information and Communications Technology (“ICT”) System when an application on the mobile communication device is active. The information transmitted by the mobile communication device enables the ABCT-Provider ICT System to identify the ABCT-Driver's identity, the vehicle information, the geographic locus, and / or the ABCT-Vehicle's activity data.

Problems solved by technology

ABCT has presented a new challenge for airports and other PAs because to place a transponder or other permanent tracking device in a vehicle that is not always used for commercial transportation would be impracticable.

It may also be regarded as restrictive by drivers whose private trips to an airport maybe tracked by the transponder readers.

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