The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN transportation-based mobile app has partnered with Aliv to provide an "on-demand" taxi service.

The Bahamas Ride app, which officially launches on April 12, will be available for Apple and Android devices. The service is expected to roll-out on New Providence first, before heading to Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, Exuma and, ultimately, any island that needs it.

Gavin Christie, Bahamas Ride's president, who heads the company with his partner Julian Gibson, the app's development manager, said: "Bahamas Ride is a transportation application that provides a much needed on-demand taxi service but is so much more than that."

He explained that the Bahamian-owned and operated app will modernise the transportation industry. "The app will allow locals and visitors to book a licensed taxi driver with just the push of a button, any time, anywhere," Mr Christie said.

"Passengers will know the cost of their journey before it begins, and will be able to use credit cards, debit cards or cash. They will see all their driver's information, and can rest assured that the service is safe, reliable and regulated."

Mr Christie said Bahamas Ride anticipates that 1,200-1,500 taxi drivers on New Providence will subscribe to the App, a number he predicted will likely grow as the service expands to the Family Islands.

"The reception has been very positive. Taxi drivers realise that we are here to enhance and not compete. We are here to enhance what they do now. We anticipate that by our launch date we will have hundreds of drivers signed up," said Mr Christie.

Damian Blackburn, Aliv's top executive, described the Bahamas Ride business model as "perfect" for Aliv's efforts to partner and grow local businesses. "We believe that Bahamian taxi drivers are more than just taxi drivers; they are businessmen and women, entrepreneurs and ambassadors and, with Bahamas Ride, they will become part of an elite service that is changing the face of the transportation industry," he added.

"The business model they have put together is perfect for Aliv to partner with. One of the main attractions was that this is doing exactly what we said we would do, which is to partner with Bahamian businesses, and there is no more long-standing business in the Bahamas than the taxi business. They have been building that business for 30-40 years."

Gravette Brown, Aliv's chief business developer, added: "We're very excited that we have this opportunity to work with Bahamas Ride and such an innovative product. This is a part of Aliv's value agenda, which is all about creating platforms that improve people's lives. We consider ourselves more than just a provider of mobile telephones."

Ms Brown said Aliv will, in the coming weeks, be introducing more apps. Alan Bates, Aliv's chief partner, said: "We did our due diligence on this app and we really have tested it. That, combined with the power of two LTE networks, is unique. The tourism market is so important here, so we think the partnership is right.

"We are fully endorsing this product and company. We think this is a huge thing for both tourists and locals. We are going to support with the full power of Aliv; through our social media platforms, through advertising, through our retail channels."

Mr Bates added: "For taxi drivers that subscribe to Bahamas Ride we are going to put in the latest smart phone in their vehicles. We see in excess of 1,500 taxi drivers and businesses that will have that in their vehicles. "We will facilitate WiFi hotspots in the vehicles. Bahamas Ride will offer cash, debit and credit card, and that's a first. The drivers will be fully vetted, with good vehicles, and provide quality customer service."