Catching a taxi in Gqeberha is about to get a digital upgrade — with a new app set to let commuters track routes, rate drivers, check vehicles and even time their rides.
With the app already in Johannesburg, the Taxini rollout has started in Nelson Mandela Bay and is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Taxini was started by Johannesburg-based Sydney Malapela, Thabo Mwale and Ahmed Kunene, who lives in Gqeberha.
Kunene is also a director at Korsten-based Atul Auto Ltd, which manufactures Tuk Tuks.
He said the app was to help those in the industry follow the rules of the road.
“You will find that out of about 50 drivers, only 20 are bad apples. We are about saying let’s give the flowers to the good guys and try to fix the behaviour of the bad ones,” he said.
Border Alliance Taxi association chair Mthuthuzeli Msuthu said they had endorsed the app.
The app, available for download on Android and OS, enables passengers to rate their taxi experience — from driver behaviour and vehicle condition to general safety.
After creating a profile, the user can see the nearest taxi ranks and routes available.
It will then show the taxis registered for that route and the driver profile, which contains the passengers’ reviews.
The app also provides an extra layer of safety through location share, which allows passengers to share their location with a contact from the time the ride starts until it ends.
“If you think about a schoolgoing female pupil who has to travel from Korsten to Greenacres, or Zwide to Greenacres, her mother at home has no idea where her 13-year-old child is.
“The app gives the parent peace of mind to be able to check where that ride is, who the driver is, and be able to know if anything does happen, she was in that taxi.
“If an accident occurs, it allows them to immediately report it.
“Thousands of learners and university students rely on taxis daily to get to schools, colleges, and training centres.
“Female students, in particular, gain that added layer of safety, knowing that harassment or misconduct can be reported instantly.
“We are trying to encourage ubuntu back into the industry, where, unlike now, a taxi driver can just swear on the road and nothing will happen to them,” he said.
Taxini also benefits the drivers, according to Kunene, because it allows them to have a portfolio reference.
“Highly rated drivers are rewarded through recognition, endorsements and potential partner benefits like insurance discounts, fuel rewards and sponsored gear.
“Drivers can build a verified profile, almost like a digital CV, useful when changing employers or joining better-paying routes,” he said.
According to Kunene, the Taxini database in Gauteng has more than 25,000 registered drivers.
The Herald
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.