The mobile app is currently the only taxi booking app in
Singapore that connects the commuter directly to the taxi driver's personal
smartphone. Commuters can also include their destination when booking a taxi,
which increases the possibilities of securing a successful booking, since taxi
drivers would be more likely to accept booking offers if the destination is
along their desired route. This is especially important during shift change
periods when booking taxis is difficult unless the destination is nearby or on
the way for the taxi driver.
After GrabTaxi is launched, it'll automatically detect the
commuter's current location using the smartphone's in-built GPS and show the
number of available taxis near you. The commuter selects the desired
destination and the booking request is sent to taxi drivers near you. The
drivers will then bid for the job and the taxi driver nearest to the commuter
will be assigned the booking. The commuter will receive a booking confirmation
within one minute, together with information such as estimated time of arrival,
taxi number, and the driver’s contact details. The commuter can also track the
real-time location of the booked taxi.
The GrabTaxi app is available for download for iOS devices,
Android devices and Windows phones.
Personally I have tried to use this GrabTaxi app and though
it managed to identify a couple of Taxis near my location, but I have not successfully got
them yet. I think a few more taxi drivers need to get involved and also more
advertisement and marketing is needed (hence this blog post). I am supportive
of it as it is disruptive and takes the power away for the Taxi Cartels and put
it in the hands of customers and taxi drivers (Why PAY booking fee if you can
avoid it!?) When I was in KL Malaysia recently, I noticed a lot more taxi drivers
are already on the network so it was easier to catch on.
http://grabtaxi.com/singapore/
http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/third-party-taxi-booking-apps-making-their-way-singapore?page=1
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