Despite such options, the demand for transportation, in a growing metropolis like Addis Ababa, is far from being met. Besides, one ought not to forget that the capital hosts prestigious organizations like AU and UNECA as well as foreign missions of various countries. It also service as a gateway to the country’s historic, cultural and natural tourist attractions.
Catching up with the digital technology and offering accessible, safe and reliable transport services is not, therefore, an option. It is a must-do task. In this regard, the private sector’s participation helps to bridge the gap being witnessed when it comes to modernizing the transport services.
A relatively newer entry to the transport system is a tech-assisted taxi service pioneered by a women entrepreneur.
The city’s roads, may be for the first time, was navigated by meter taxis fitted with mobile app for orders from customers in March 2017. Samrawit Fikru, founder and CEO of Hybrid Design PLC, introduced the system to the city’s residents and visitors alike.
She as well has promised to re-launch a premium internet based taxi hailing service in the city by the coming Ethiopian New Year.
Her business has grown to the level it is now from an offline service previously provided via phone calls and hotlines charging customers 1.50 Birr per minute, Samrawit told The Ethiopian Herald.
Samrawit’s business idea was inspired by her own experience. “I used to work late at night. And I faced a great deal of challenge to get taxis, taxis that guarantee my safety and comfort, ”she said.
Among the hassles she had been confronted with include arbitrary increment of transport fare. “Quite often, taxi service providers charge commuters far higher than the tariff set per a route.”
Now her company is offering safe and reliable service to customers. Besides, she said customers are confident in the service that the company offers. Moreover, the route of the service is easily traceable, guaranteeing customers’ safety and comfort.
Her business created employment to nearly 50 citizens, while thousands of individuals joined her company with their latest model vehicles to reap the benefits.
The city, dubbed as the diplomatic hub of Africa, deserves services like this. Nowadays, many more similar service providers are entering the market.
The Ethiopian Herald August 2/2019
BY BETHLEHEM ASFAW
