Taxis to compete with Uber with new 'Curb' ride-hailing app.

LAS VEGAS: Uber and Lyft are about to get some strong competition in Nevada. 

A new app promises to connect passengers to at least half of the cabs in Las Vegas. It’s expected to work with Smartphones, allowing people to e-hail a local taxi.  

The app is called Curb and is being developed by Verifone, a company that specializes in handling online payments.

Unlike Uber, the Curb app will allow users to call for a cab on demand, or schedule one in advance. Curb claims it will launch with 500 ‘licensed and insured taxi drivers,’ according to a company statement. In time the app developer says it will be linked with half of the taxi cabs in Las Vegas.

Curb will also charge a fixed price for taxi rides, regardless of demand. Uber uses what’s known as surge pricing, meaning the higher the demand for its drivers the more passengers pay for a ride.

Local cab companies set to be a part of the Curb app include LuckyCab, Western Cab Company and Nellis Cab Company.

Curb is also touting safety measures that have been a sticking point for Uber and Lyft. “Our drivers are already drug-tested and thoroughly background checked and our vehicles are regularly inspected,” according to spokesperson Jim Eckstaedt.

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