Taxi aggregating app, SnappCab has launched in Johannesburg, in a move the founders say will revolutionize South Africa’s cab industry forever.
The free app, available for Apple and Android enabled smart phones, with Blackberry and Windows launching shortly after offers commuters with smart phones the ability to order, track and pay for cabs easily and quickly. After Johannesburg, the app is set to launch in Cape Town and Durban in the following weeks.
Founded by Anton van Metzinger, Nathan Sasto and David Storey, the app aims to get more South Africans out of their privately owned cars using cab services, and create jobs.
“South Africans are relatively new to the use of metered cabs. While the industry is growing, people are often wary of using a cab service largely because of lack of accessibility, variable quality and non-transparent pricing,” says van Metzinger. “Our intention is that SnappCabwill provide cab users with an easy, safe and reliable means of hailing a cab, while at the same time supporting the development and growth of the industry.”
Easy to use
SnappCab is easy to use and will make commuting quick and convenient. After downloading, one only needs to log into the app and register their details once, and their account will be automatically activated.
Then to hail a a cab, one has to log into the app on their smartphone, and see their location automatically, then click on “e-hail” a cab button, and then the user will be automatically connected to the closest cabs near their physical location. Users can request any cab in the area, or specify their preferred cab companies, which can be pre-selected and saved.
Highly secure
After a cab driver accepts the call with his/her mobile device, locations are shared between the two parties along with the estimated time of arrival, identifying photos, names and contact details. The user can then track the cab’s progress as it approaches, making sure that it is easy for them to connect. In case one’s attention wanders, or their phone goes to sleep, an SMS will alert them once the cab is arrives. For safety, vehicle tracking continues while you are in transit, as the SnappCab operations centre monitors the vehicle’s location for the duration of your journey.
Once the journey is complete, commuters can pay for the service using cash or by using a credit card – which they can load onto their account with SnappCabat any time. Credit card details are kept safely and securely with MyGate – a Level 1 PCI Certified South African payment gateway.
Family account
SnappCab can allow more than one person to use it, so school going children can carry a phone loaded with the application and call a cab when they are ready to go home after classes or social activity, saving working parents time. Businesses can also use such an account.
SnappMiles for loyal users
Frequent users, and credit card payments, are rewarded by earning SnappMiles, which they will be able to redeem for services as the application evolves.
“What we are hoping for is a positive and mutually beneficial relationship,” says van Metzinger. “We envisage the steady adoption of the app which will spur on cab companies to join the network. In turn this will encourage more commuters to use this fun, efficient and easy means to access public transport.”
“We have conducted extensive research into similar applications that are available abroad in cities where cabs are a part of everyday life. By applying this knowledge we are developing a locally relevant service that supports all South Africans, and that will help grow the cab industry to its full potential,” he concludes.
