Whitepaper
LOCUS™ by RideShare Displays Inc.

RideShare Displays Inc (RSDI) has developed a proprietary system called LOCUS™ which overcomes a number of significant problems in the global market for all stakeholders (including the riders and drivers) of such rideshare apps as Uber, Lyft, Didi Chuxing, Ola, Gett, BlaBlaCar, and others.

In addition to resolving industry wide safety issues, LOCUS™ will generate hundreds of millions of dollars from geo-fenced mobile advertising, Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) branding, contracts, surcharges for trips to Emergency Rooms and additional sources. LOCUS™ adds to a driver's income and provides support for independent contractor classification.

The system incorporates dual authentication, confirmation, and biometric technologies to correctly identify the assigned vehicle as well as assuring the authorized driver is actually behind the wheel.

Incorporating a unique, daylight visible, mini-billboard that attaches to the passenger-side sun visor, facing outward from the rideshare vehicle, this mini-billboard is wirelessly linked to the driver's cellphone. The benefits of the RSDI proprietary system focus in the following four key areas: safety, revenue generation, regulatory compliance, and employment classification.

Safety

Passenger Safety

  • Each trip is assigned a 3-digit alphanumeric identifier that appears simultaneously on LOCUS™ and on the passenger's mobile device. This eliminates inherent problems with license plates (particularly in jurisdictions where front license plates are not required).
  • Alphanumeric identifiers do not present language barriers, are universally recognized and easily remembered.
  • Passengers with "invisible" disabilities (color blindness, autism, language, etc.) can easily identify their assigned vehicles.
  • Speech and/or hearing impediments or other disabilities are addressed, eliminating any discomfort and fear of embarrassment for both the passenger and the driver.
  • Unlike existing technology, which can display only six colors, LOCUS™ can display 16.9 million colors, alphanumeric identifiers, logos, and graphics. LOCUS™ can display different forms of advertising in full color and in high resolution.
  • At 3,000 nits brightness, LOCUS™ is visible in daylight or nighttime, from distances exceeding 50 feet.
  • LOCUS™ is particularly effective in crowded areas, inclement weather, obstructed sight lines, etc.
  • LOCUS™ is fully compliant with the recently enacted Sami's Law legislation.
  • Deactivating a driver from the platform does not necessarily prevent a nefarious driver from soliciting passengers. Numerous tragedies were committed by fake/impostor drivers.
  • If a driver encounters an emergency, a driver-activated, wireless fob operates within a 30-foot radius.
  • Issues concerning a passenger's identity are easily resolved by comparing the trip identifier displayed on LOCUS™ to the trip identifier on the passenger's device.
  • Photo recognition and PINs often require the passenger enter the vehicle in order to identify the driver. Many tragedies have occurred after the passenger entered the vehicle.
  • The requirement of wearing face masks due to COVID-19, concealing both the driver and passenger identities, compels LOCUS™ be put into service immediately.

Revenue Generation

Mobile Advertising

  • The LOCUS™ mini-billboard is the perfect platform for the display of geo-fenced ads, and does not require the typical, intensive infra structure or capital expenditure.
  • Independent studies substantiate the revenue from dynamic geo-fenced advertisements using LOCUS™.
  • Our technology does not require a new app. Analytics are actively used by our digital media partners.
  • Roof-toppers were banned in NYC, and advertisers seek a new platform. Of note, additional municipalities are considering similar bans. LOCUS™ is the perfect platform which combines multiple components benefiting passengers and providing drivers with additional revenue.
  • Along with advertisements, LOCUS™ displays public service messages, logos, feel-good messages ("Let's Go Mariners"), informative messages ("Lyft Line," "UNAUTHORIZED," "Medical Transport," "DOWNTOWN", etc.).
  • Since LOCUS™ resides on the passenger-side sun visor (unlike roof-toppers), LOCUS™ will receive universal driver acceptance. Moreover, LOCUS™ is portable, easily removable, and compliant with all known laws and legislation for rideshare vehicles.

Non-Emergency Health Care Transport

  • Many reports state that passengers choose rideshare vehicles instead of costly ambulances for trips to the emergency room.
  • Passengers can be dropped off at the intended destination instead of an adjacent or remote location. An additional $84 million of revenue is available from this alone.
  • LOCUS™ brands the insurance carrier, health care provider, or facility arranging the service.
  • Passengers can identify the vehicle without needing of a mobile device. This is especially useful for the elderly and disabled.
  • Transportation service providers, insurance carriers, medical facility branding increases provider visibility in a saturated market, as well as providing credibility and customer loyalty. A definite competitive advantage pursuing NEMT contracts.

Regulatory Compliance

Legality; Shared, Rented, and Bogus Accounts; London & TfL

  • Uber's failure to adequately address safety issues resulted in TfL revoking Uber's license in London.
  • The Tfl stated, "A key issue identified was that a change to Uber's systems allowed unauthorised drivers to upload their photos to other Uber driver accounts." https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/media/press-releases/2019/november/uber-london-limited-found-to-be-not-fit-and-proper-to-hold-a-private-hire-operator-licence.
  • According to the TfL, serious safety issues continue, stating that photos of bogus driver were uploaded, and safeguards were easily defeated.
  • The article concerning biometrics, dated November, 22, 2019. https://www.wired.co.uk/article/uber-licence-london-biometrics
  • A built-in fingerprint reader prevents the problems associated with shared, rented, and bogus accounts, protecting passengers from unauthorized or predatory drivers. If an unauthorized driver accesses the rideshare app, LOCUS™ flashes "UNAUTHORIZED" and notifies the platform provider.
  • An easily obtained, widely distributed app will always be an easy target for hackers. The RSDI system does not require integration with the rideshare app and stands apart.
  • LOCUS™ is compliant in all 50 states.

Employment Classification

AB5 (Assembly Bill 5) and Employee vs Independent Contractor Classification

  • Recognized legal authorities agree on the LOCUS™ impact and support for independent contractor classification when applied to AB5 and the ABC Test.
  • The RSDI model dovetails with the already in place rideshare technology platform.
  • Using the existing infrastructure, a rideshare company is the technology provider and transmission conduit for media outlets, subscribers, and others.
  • Based squarely on this mobile platform technology, with geo fencing ability, 24/7 presence, and nationwide reach, the platform is the perfect means by which advertisers can reach untouched markets.
  • Advertisers have a plethora of options from which to choose.
  • The revenue from this platform results from non-integrated sources or from transporting passengers.
  • The revenue comes from a distinct and established - mobile advertising.
  • The media outlets, subscribers, and hiring entities constantly change, as does the amount and source of the revenue.
  • The driver receives income that is independent of the rideshare app, delivery service, etc.
  • Revenue is contingent on a sliding scale including, but not limited to; time of day, day of the week, length of operation, continuous or intermittent operation; area traveled, speed of travel, etc.
  • There are many driver determined factors, routine offerings, etc., which effect a driver's revenue.
  • In the event drivers are classified as employees, the additional income is a component of the minimum wage requirement.
  • The RSDI system can include public service announcements/messages, amber alerts, local police & fire departments, non-profit organizations, etc.