b"FOGHORNFOCUS: TECHNOLOGYof what is becoming known as Siliconthe bus to take the way more funsystem worked, the BHC team recog-Beach, Encore Studio and its talentedwater taxi to school instead. nized there was room to update and growing team of software engineers,In the past, to arrange for a taxi,improve the passenger/rider experi-were ideally suited to developing tech- passengers could call from their ownence and effectiveness by embracing nological solutions to optimization ofphone, use a direct call box locatedmodern technology and catering to an the Guest/Visitor/Rider experience.on the dock or simply flag one downaudience that has grown accustomed to So, when the BHC team was asked forif one was idle at any of the stops.the convenience of ride share Apps in initial ideas and a wish list on whereInternally, a dispatcher would receivetheir everyday life. In response, Encore the company and its passengers couldthe calls, choose an available vesselStudio approached the challenge with quickly benefi t from advanced technol- and then radio the captain onboardthe mission to deliver a technology-for-ogy assets, BHCs water taxi service im- to relay the pickup info. While thisward solution to make hailing a water mediately came to mind. BHCs fleet of 15 water taxis operates year-round on an on-call basis to 16 stops around Bostons busy wa-terfront, including East Boston, the Seaport, Boston Logan International Airport, and more. The water taxis range in size from 12- to 20-passenger capacity and are covered and heatedThe European World Leader, to be able to operate in all weather. In 2019 alone, the service transportedproudly serving America's nest !over 77,800 passengers with departures averaging 200 per day. The taxis caterReservations, Check-In, Port Automation, ePoSto a wide variety of passenger types including localsmany of whom are frequent/repeat riderscommuters and tourists. The popular stop at Logan Airport provides a convenient and traffi c-free option for travelers in and out of the city. In addition, residents living along the waterfront can enjoy pick up directly from their homes. Even children benefi t by regularly skipping We care about your CustomersWorldwide, we serve over 33 million passengers, 5 million vehicles and over a million cargo units annually.HB_App_Logo - Encore Studio had previously developed The Hornblower App, which was already in use in manyFrom whale watching to fine dining and from bay crossingsports throughout the Hornblower family. The new challenge was to bring advanced technology to BHC byto ocean voyages; Carus has the answer. designing a ride hailing feature that would address the on-call nature and individual needs of the water taxiwww.carus.comservice industry. Credit: BHC Hornblower GroupSEPTEMBER 2020FOGHORN 23"