Brad Adrian
04-12-2003, 11:00 AM
<a href="http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&platformId=2&productType=2&catalog=0&sectionId=0&productId=65782">http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=311&platformId=2&productType=2&catalog=0&sectionId=0&productId=65782</a><br /><br />In an attempt to reduce traffic congestion, the city of London recently began charging commuters a special tax whenever they drive into the downtown area. If you deliberately venture into the downtown zone, the so-called "<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/congestion/news.shtml">Congestion Charge</a>" can be paid via SMS. But, how can you be sure just where the "free" and "taxed" roadways are? <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/adrian/congestmap.gif" /><br /><br />Visual IT has just released a London Congestion Charge Map add-in for their Tube map software. <br /><br />"The map gives a clear view of the area now covered by the congestion charge system. An invaluable help to plan whether entering the area and paying your fee is essential to your trip, possibly saving yourself the fee or a fine."<br /><br />This is a fairly specialized bit of software, but I find the whole topic intriguing. Transportation-related services may provide a jumpstart for mobile payments, and this kind of software will become important as that happens.