Your New Saving Grace: An App That Gets You A Cab, No Hailing Required

Seeing how temperamental the weather gods have been lately, the idea of standing in the scorching heat (or pouring rain) trying to hail a taxi gets less appealing by the minute. So it seems that Hailo, the self-proclaimed "D.C. taxi app," couldn't have launched at a better time. The iPhone and Android app, which made the District its 11th market this week, is poised to become your favorite way to beat the 5 p.m. taxi rush. The app allows users to keep a credit card on file for quick and easy service, and you can rely on a fleet of 500 verified and licensed D.C. taxi drivers.

With just one click, the free app shows users exactly how far away the closest cab is and how soon it will arrive. If that’s not enough incentive, the app is offering a “Founding Passenger” credit for a limited time, giving new D.C.-area users $10 to spend on rides. Hailo taxis charge regular fares plus a $1.50 fee per ride, so when you're feeling the bicep burn from trying to flag a cab (or getting weary of walking in your highest heels), a trip won't break the bank. So good, it's practically heaven-sent. (We couldn't help it.) (Washingtonian)