Top Jive To Launch Soon

Top Jive, a mobile booking application for traditional taxis as well as radio taxis, will launch soon.

Ben Kandukira, the brains behind the operation said the app as well as the Twitter page have been running to engage the customer base, and receive feedback on what changes should be made and to gauge the general public’s opinion about the service.

“Firstly, the purpose of this was really to develop and have a booking system of taxis for both traditional cabs and radio taxis. We don’t own a fleet, we are a booking service which is technology- and mobile-based,” Kandukira clarified.

Kandukira mentioned that for the past two weeks, the Top Jive team has been trying to work through product glitches while having test runs with actual drivers and customers. He laid out some of the challenges he plans to eradicate and his first aim is looking at providing security. “When you get into a taxi, you’re at bigger risk of getting into a road accident. Your chances of being a victim of crime are much bigger,” he said adding that customers will know whose car they are getting into, the registration number as well as the name of the driver. There is also no need to stand on the street and wait as the driver will come to the venue and alert you through the app that they’ve arrived.

Kandukira mentioned that you will know where you are all the time, the taxi driver will know who you are and admin will record all your whereabouts on the system – this objective has been sold among many who wish to make use of the service. He also mentioned that Top Jive can pull out files on the driver, make sure he has no criminal record and is not a habitual traffic lawbreaker.

The second issue he wants to work through is whether mobile networks are strong enough to keep the service running smoothly. “Mobile networks are not as good as they should be. In some areas in Windhoek, you just get cut off,” Kandukira said adding that the network doesn’t cover some areas such as Wanaheda and Khomasdal completely

“The service providers need to understand that and boost the services,” he said.

In terms of costs, traditional taxis cause discomfort and you can tear your expensive clothing, or lose your handbag or cellphone in the taxi Kandukira mentioned. With Top Jive taxis, for a slightly higher charge than traditional taxis, you will be more comfortable and find things easier if you lose them, he said.

Another safety risk in traditional taxis is handling money. “Namibia has a problem with giving way to using cash. For now, people will use cash but we are looking into other forms of payment such as eWallet or BlueWallet,” Kandukira said.

“We spend too much time studying weaknesses and strengths and we never get going. We discovered our difficulties in the field through real experiences.”

He mentioned that drivers who want to be part of Top Jive should have their paperwork in order. The taxis should be fit for human transportation and will be inspected for roadworthiness and comfort. The first 10 drivers will go through training on defensive driving and customer service. Interested individuals should visit topjive.com to download the online application. Kandukira advised that drivers who are not used to working with technology should take this time to educate themselves.

The Top Jive app is available on Google Play. Kandukira mentioned that research indicated a larger customer base uses Android and not Apple, but the app will be made available to the iStore in a few months.

For more information contact

Kandukira at 081 441 7778.

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