This Ride-Hailing Firm Now Allows You To Book A Ride Via WhatsApp

Kenyan, Ugandan and Zambian taxi users can now book rides from their WhatsApp under a new feature initiated by a local ride-hailing firm, Little.

The Safaricom-backed app has introduced an online chat booking platform which is meant to widen the reservation options for customers.

Through the platform, a user can hail a Little taxi by sending their location pin to a WhatsApp number. Instantly, vehicles within the rider’s area will be scanned and the details of the vehicle and driver’s contact will be shared through the app.

“All a taxi rider needs to do is save our number 777000777 and share their location through WhatsApp. Once this happens one will automatically be connected to a driver near them.

“At the end of the trip, a customer will also receive a message telling them how much they need to pay for the trip,” Craftsilicon founder Kamal Budhabhatti was quoted by Business Daily.

This move is seen as a strategy to increase its market share in the saturated market filled with many players.

Following its launch in 2016, the Craft Silicon taxi-hailing service introduced a USSD code which enabled Little Cab customers to dial *826# from their mobile phone to request for a cab.

“The idea behind Little powered by Safaricom is to provide affordable and convenient cab services to as many Kenyans as possible and I believe we are well on our way to achieving this through the launch of the USSD service,” Mr Budhabhatti said at that time.

Similarly, other firms like Uber have continued to market the use of a customer service number through which riders can call to book trips.

The e-hailing taxi firms are targeting users who cannot access the app but need quick transport alternatives.

Featured Image Courtesy: Quartz Africa..com