Pewin Cabs delves into taxi hailing

With taxi business witnessing competition with the entry of firms such as Little cabs, Uber and Mondo rides; taxi firm Pewin Cabs has launched a taxi hailing application dubbed ‘Dandia’ app in a bid to expand its product offering to the retail market.

Pewin Cabs has launched its taxi hailing service in both Nairobi and Mombasa as seeks to step up competition in the market.

Speaking during the launch of the app, Pewin Cabs Managing Director Justus Kirigua said there was still demand for quality taxi services not just for the customers but drivers as well.

Mr Kirigua noted that to boost customer acquisition especially during the weekend, the company will be offering a 20 per cent discount to first-time users of the app.

“The pricing you are charged seating in traffic will not apply on our cabs. People need predictability in their pricing. One will get pricing before the trip begins,” Mr Kirigua said.

The app was developed in partnership with Google, which offered technical support in the design and functionality of the app.

The Dandia app will use GPS to determine the passenger’s location and send the information to the dispatch system which will then give the consumer a booking code.

Pewin Cabs, which has stemmed its presence among corporate clients, aims to expand its customer base with the app, thereby creating market competition.

Contracted drivers will be paid on a weekly basis, with Pewin taking 10 percent as commission.

“With growing economy transport will be a need. With standard gauge railway coming many people will need to be moved. People will be moved   to their offices and their homes and beyond that terminus,” he said

To ease operations, Pewin Cabs drivers will be offered free parking within the central business district to ease operations.

The Dandia app offers customers fixed pricing and the opportunity to choose the type of vehicle to use depending on the number of customers.