Vending machine and control system for passenger vehicle-for-hire

摘要

A vending machine and associated control system in support of vending one or more items to a passenger in a rear passenger salon of a taxicab includes a computer having a processor and memory and a display arranged for viewing by the passenger. Code modules execute in the processor and provide interactive selection controls on at least a portion of the display. The passenger can cause an item to be vended from a remotely-located machine by interacting with the selection controls. One code module communicates vended item cost information to another module for inclusion in a calculation of a total fare for the taxicab ride and any vended items. The vending machine is preferably located in the taxicab trunk and is arranged to deliver items into the passenger salon through a rear deck of the taxicab. The vending machine can be refrigerated using, in part, the taxicab's air-conditioning system.