Taxi app offers a new alternative to Uber
Launched in Melbourne on Thursday, Oiii offers the security and regulations of a traditional taxi service along with the convenience of a rideshare app.
Features of the new taxi service include security cameras, free Wi-Fi, no surge-pricing and no booking fees or credit card surcharges. All Oiii drivers must also have a valid taxi licence and driver accreditation.
As far as booking an Oiii taxi goes, the process is similar to most ridesharing services: download the app, sign in and send your request. You’ll get a fare estimate before confirming your booking and have the option of choosing a preferred driver.
Similar to rideshare services such as Uber, payments are made directly through the app via your registered credit card or debit card. So there's no need to pull out a card or cash at the end of each trip, as you would with a traditional taxi.
The Oiii app also lets you check the status of individual vehicles via a map (which is powered by Google Maps) and gives you a way to contact a driver directly without sharing your mobile number.
At the launch, chief executive Roland Grelewicz said Oiii is a game-changer for the taxi and rideshare industry.
“It takes the best parts of taxis – security, taxi meters, compliance – and the best of rideshare," he said.
The service is also home-grown, with parent company Net-Cabs Pty Ltd a Melbourne-based, accredited service provider that is “committed to transforming the traditional taxi experience for operators, drivers and passengers”.
As well as a commitment to “putting passengers first”, Oiii offers an alternative option for licenced taxi drivers that have been competing with rideshare services.
“The whole idea is to reduce pain and cost of running a taxi,” Grelewicz said at the Oiii launch.
Some of the driver benefits listed on the Oiii website include lower operating costs, streamlined services and real-time visibility of jobs, vehicles and driver shifts. Drivers can also view previous jobs, revenue and expenses, as well as many other metrics.
Oiii currently has a fleet of 300+ cars in Melbourne, with plans to expand to other cities and regional areas across Australia.
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