Irving, California, December 28, 2006 – In the fight to keep our streets safe from impaired drivers, #TAXI (Pound Taxi) is proud to be a new annual sponsor of Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s (MADD) “Tie One on For Safety Campaign” signaling #TAXI’s support for MADD’s mission and #TAXI’s launch into the U.S. with its first U.S. wireless carrier – Boost Mobile.

 

To help ring in 2007 safely, Boost Mobile and CellWand Communications, the developer of the service, are offering #TAXI free of charge to all Boost customers this New Year’s Eve, providing easy access to safe and convenient transportation on the busiest night of the year.

 

“Designating a sober driver, in this case a taxi driver, helps save lives and prevent injuries caused by drunk driving,” said Glynn Birch, national president of MADD.   “We applaud the efforts of CellWand Communications as they provide the public with a free, sensible, and easy way to get a taxi during this festive time of the year with their #TAXI service.”

 

By simply dialing #TAXI (#-8-2-9-4) on any Boost Mobile phone, callers are connected to the first available taxicab company in their local calling area, or the cab company of their choice. The service also recommends a taxi company when callers don’t know the name of one and helps avoid busy signals anywhere in the United States for $1.29 per call, plus airtime.

 

“#TAXI’s fast and easy way of getting a taxi is critical to encouraging people to call for a taxi versus drinking and driving,” says Nick Quain, president of CellWand. “We see that the majority of calls for taxis happen from Thursday night through to early Sunday morning when bars have let out, and parties are winding down. This service helps people make the right choice any time they are considering getting behind a wheel while potentially under the influence and provides an easy way to help friends and loved ones avoid drinking and driving,” adds Mr. Quain.

 

MADD’s “Tie One On For Safety” campaign celebrates 20 years this year in raising public awareness during the holidays about drunk driving. MADD’s red ribbon or window cling on a vehicle signifies to motorists the driver’s pledge to drive safe, sober and buckled up. Each year, nearly 13,000 people die in drunk driving crashes.

 

 

CellWand develops and manages enhanced directory assistance applications for wireless carriers. Utilizing location based technology, voice recognition and intelligent databases, these lifestyle applications provide wireless carriers with increased Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), as well as better service for their subscribers. CellWand’s first application, #TAXI® (Pound Taxi) is currently available to Boost Mobile customers in the U.S. and on all national wireless carrier networks in Canada (Bell Mobility, Fido, Rogers Wireless, TELUS Mobility and Virgin Mobile) and regional networks including Aliant and Sasktel. CellWand is a privately held company founded in January 2000 with its headquarters in Toronto. CellWand is a proud corporate sponsor of both MADD Canada and MADD as part of supporting MADD’s mission and promoting an easy way to get home safely after drinking.