An App that makes travel a cinch
View(s):If you live and breathe by Colombo’s elaborate, life-giving taxi system then any new taxi service is welcome. Apps that allow you to book vehicles for pick-up have been around for a while now; the newest offering that is quickly gaining popularity is known as ‘PickMe’, an app that acts as somewhat of an intermediary between taxi services and you.
“Colombo would be lost without its three-wheelers,” says founder Jiffry Zulfer. Imagine a city devoid of the multi-coloured little speed bullets to ferry individuals from Point A to B. ‘PickMe’ works by allowing you to pick and choose from vehicles available in your vicinity (the service is restricted to Colombo for the time being). The app can be downloaded via the Google Playstore or on iOS for free. After that, you need to go through a short registration process that will ask for your phone number, name and gender. After verification you’re ready to go.
Jiffry Zulfer. Pic by Amila Gamage
Using your GPS coordinates, the app allows you to view the tuks and cabs available in your area on a map with little icons, and once you choose ‘Book Now’ it directs you to the driver closest to your location. The driver’s name and license details are displayed (they’re working on pictures of the vehicle as well), plus details about their proximity to you, how much luggage/people the vehicle can transport, alongside the charges per km etc. Once you’ve confirmed, the driver will immediately call you and because you don’t have to give directions it’s a simple matter of relaxing while the vehicle finds you (you can track the movement on your PickMe app).
A PickMe Tuk on its way
While there have been a few issues here and there a large number of users have rated the app on the high side and use it regularly to get around Colombo. By taking the traditional system of booking a taxi via a company and simplifying it further, the PickMe team have introduced an app that is quick, convenient and timely.
The team are following it up with more services-for example, the ability to rate your experience before closing the app, and if there’s an issue the company will ring the user to investigate matters further. “We’re very concerned about the customer experience,” says Zulfer.
“The drivers we work with are trained beforehand so it’s important to us that the customer has a satisfying experience.”
They’re also concerned about the drivers, who get to rate the experience as well. ‘PickMe’ works with several taxi companies already and says that they’re not competition to these companies, but a potential partner. “We’re bringing in business,” Zulfer says simply.
Find out more on www.pickme.lk