App flags Yangon taxis

YANGON  A new mobile phone application linking passengers with taxi drivers has officially launched in Yangon’s Hlaing Tharyar Township.
The application claimed to be the latest initiative to help reduce traffic congestion in Myanmar’s car-clogged commercial capital.
Irrawaddy media reported the phone application, named “hoho,” was created by Yangon-based start-up company Myantel and officially launched in mid-June after a trial-run period from February to May this year.
Mobile users select their desired pick up and destination points and the software locates the closest taxi driver. The driver then offers a price, which can be compared against the software’s suggested price, and the user can either accept or select another driver, it said.
inside no 1Once the transaction is complete, the app tracks the taxi’s progress and estimated arrival time.
Myantel founder Dana Aung said: “With this app, taxi drivers don’t need to cruise anymore wasting fuel.”
“It helps to reduce traffic congestion but also allow passengers to retrieve lost personal items, as well as offer a sense of security, as drivers’ profiles are stored on the system.”
The company began distributing the app among phone users in Hlaing Tharyar Township last Wednesday. It will start with 200 to 250 registered taxi drivers to service the Hlaing Tharyar area.
The system uses bona-fide taxi drivers rather than private car owners ,who are often recruited for taxi apps to supplement their income. In some countries they are considered illegal.

sourced:ttrweekly.com