BlueBird has introduced a line of gift cards that can be loaded with any amount desired that will get the bearer a ride home from holiday festivities or can be used throughout the year.
“We’re the first cab company in the city to offer this,” said Bal Grewal, vice- president of BlueBird Cabs. “We try and explore as many options for our customers to make it easier to do business with us.”
Grewal said it’s the next logical step, given that most customers rely on credit cards or debit cards instead of cash to pay for taxis.
“We wanted to allow for a way for our customers to use plastic even more easily. Plus, this option allows them to give it away as a gift.”
Paul Jeyapal, BlueBird’s director of marketing and business development, said the gift card is also a great gift for parents to give their kids, who may be a little overly festive given the season.
“Some people don’t want an account, and some want to give something to their kids so they will take a cab, and this eliminates the risk of giving them your credit card. Instead, they can get a pre-loaded gift card worth a couple of hundred bucks,” he said.
“People who have heard about it really like the idea — it’s the flexibility of an account without having to deal with monthly billing, and they are only spending what they load on it.”
The program is in its infancy, but Jeyapal said they have sold quite a few out of the gate, with the most popular amount being $100.
He said they have no set target for this year, as they’re not sure how the market will react to the idea.
At this point, the cards are only available from BlueBird’s office at 2612 Quadra St., though the company is looking for opportunities to increase sale locations, perhaps to grocery stores and other retailers.
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