Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Commuters question usefulness of LTA taxi app

SINGAPORE — The Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) mobile application for taxis — the latest in an increasingly saturated market — was greeted with derision by commuters and tech websites when it was launched yesterday.

SINGAPORE — The Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) mobile application for taxis — the latest in an increasingly saturated market — was greeted with derision by commuters and tech websites when it was launched yesterday.

Commuters criticised the app for adding another step to the cab-hunting process while not allowing them to actually book a taxi. It has also sparked a hashtag on Twitter inviting netizens to come up with a new name for the app to highlight its shortcomings.

First announced last month, the app — called Taxi-Taxi@SG — covers all 28,000 registered taxis and allows users to broadcast their current locations so that drivers can find out which locations have a high demand for taxis.

“With this information, commuters can better decide whether to continue waiting for a taxi on the street, walk to a location with more available taxis, book a taxi instead or make alternative transport arrangements,” said the LTA.

Other taxi-booking apps available include Easy Taxi, GrabTaxi, Uber and Hailo, with GrabTaxi kicking things off in October last year.

Shortly after the LTA’s app was launched, the hashtag #RenameTaxiAppByLTA was trending on Twitter in Singapore and websites such as Tech in Asia and the Vulcan Post questioned the app’s effectiveness.

Responding to criticism, the LTA said the app is different from the other taxi applications such as Uber and GrabTaxi, which facilitate the booking of taxis. Instead, it is aimed at commuters who want to hail rather than book a cab.

“There is no booking feature in Taxi-Taxi@SG, as the app is meant to facilitate the hailing of taxis along the street. Going forward, we will monitor users’ feedback and enhance the app based on feedback received,” the spokesperson said.

Commuters TODAY spoke to felt the app was not a useful option, especially if they were in a rush.

Tertiary student Anna Lee, 22, said it would be too much of a hassle to look for a taxi when she could easily book one. “It’s so redundant. Why would I want to go through another app to look for a taxi when I am late, when I can just book a taxi through an application?” she asked.

Ms Chloe Chen, a 22-year-old freelancer, said the taxis that may initially appear on the app might have driven away by the time she walked towards them.

However, Madam Adeline Ng, a homemaker in her 50s, felt the app could help her save on the booking fee. “When I know where the taxis are, I will know if I need to call for a cab,” she said.

Taxi drivers contacted by TODAY said they are receptive to trying out the app.

Mr Francis Ching, 64, who is driving a Comfort taxi, said it would help him in areas such as Jurong and Tuas, where it is hard to find passengers.

Mr Terry Tan said the app would be effective only if it is well-utilised by commuters. “I would give it a try, but there’s no guarantee that I will stick to it,” added the 43-year-old, who drives an SMRT taxi.

A Prime limousine taxi driver who gave his name as Mr David said he and other cab drivers use an application called Palringo, which allows them to update one another about passengers’ whereabouts.

“I will rely on my (Palringo) group and regular customers,” he said.

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.