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Sprint Nextel Corp., an Overland Park, Kan.-based wireless communications company, says it provides the network connection for the VeriFone Holdings Inc. wireless-payment system New York taxi drivers are using. Neither company previously had disclosed Sprint's involvement. San Jose, Calif.-based VeriFone says its VeriFone Transportation Systems division has outfitted more than 6,600 New York taxis with the payment and information system, which includes a card reader and a touchscreen monitor to view entertainment shows. The payment terminals connect to transaction networks using Sprint's wireless network, a VeriFone spokesperson tells CardLine. The payment service, including the customized software, complies with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, the spokesperson adds. VeriFone launched the New York taxi service last year. VeriFone says it also has worked with Dallas-based AT&T Inc. on a similar system for Philadelphia taxis (CardLine, 4/1). VeriFone plans to introduce the taxi-payment service in Chicago and Las Vegas beginning in the first quarter of 2009, the company says.
