if you have enough cabs on the street so that all or most of the zones have cabs logged or
working, and if the zones are configured so that there is a reasonably equal call frequency
in each, then this may be the case.
if not, then the excessive zones not only do not get cabs nearer calls, especially the more outlying
areas, but add a great deal of time overhead in the dispatching process. it also adds to the
driver frustration level.
the first diagram below is the present zone map of TLC taxi in Phoenix. there are 40 zones.
the map as shown covers about 25 miles east-west and 17 miles north-south; 425 square miles.
the populated area actually extends much further, but this is the normal practical coverage
area of TLC, based in glendale, with a fleet of about 30 cabs.
most of the present zones are nearly equal in size, despite the fact that they vary widely in
population density and frequency of calls. of the 40 zones, only 12 are regularly logged in.
a driver may likely log in one of the others only if he is returning from a trip to it.
the second diagram is my proposal for a zone configuration. i believe it would result in
faster, more efficient coverage of all calls, smoother dispatching, and less wasted airtime.
i welcome comments and opinions from drivers and dispatchers, both in phoenix and
elsewhere.
:email captain rat
