KUALA LUMPUR: The latest e-hailing app, PICKnGO will represent a new era for the taxi industry by prioritising on the welfare of taxi drivers in Malaysia, its executive director Valerie Chan said today.
She said apart from that, PICKnGO was also designed to provide passengers with a safe, reliable, convenient and consistent taxi ride.
"We are targeting to register 10,000 licenced and trained professional taxi drivers across Greater Kuala Lumpur," she said.
The app, she said aims to provide taxi drivers with a support system that would not only improve their livelihood but also the quality of taxi services in the country.
"PICKnGO is more than just a taxi-booking app, it is also a symbol of our commitment to better the customer service levels, with a fleet of well-maintained, presentable taxis and well groomed drivers.
"Although we understand that it is not easy to change the mindsets of both our customers as well as drivers, we are starting it now, with this app, in order to move in tandem with development," she said in her speech at the official launch of PICKnGO here today.
Taxi drivers who were present at the launch said they were delighted to be working with PICKnGO.
Nor Mazniza Mat Zain, 45, said PICKnGO came at the right time for the taxi industry as Malaysians have embraced the digital age.
"Before, we (taxi drivers) can only get customers from taxi stands or bus stops, this app has features to help us navigate where our passengers are located so it will more convenient," she added.
A 59-year-old taxi driver, Wong Yew Woh said: "With all the existing competition now, this is a good app to provide opportunities to all the taxi drivers out there and to encourage them not to give up."
Another registered taxi driver Shakumar Mariappan, 38, said: "As we (taxi drivers) are facing difficulties looking for customers, I am confident that this app will assist us in that matter and at the same time provide income to taxi drivers across Klang Valley."
Minister in the Prime Minister Department Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, who launched the app, disagreed with the perception of taxi industry as a sunset industry.
"This app will take into account the welfare of taxi drivers as well as giving them hope for the future of the industry," she said.
Users can download PICKnGO on both Android and IOS platforms for free.