'Goto' finally launched in Guernsey

Wednesday 04 September 2019

An Uber-like app for local taxis has finally launched in Guernsey, months after its original start-up date, but more support is still needed.

'Goto' has been working successfully in Jersey since 2018 and was due to launch in Guernsey earlier this year, but didn't receive enough support from local taxi drivers.

The app needs a following from local regulated taxi drivers in order to operate. It uses location services to pair a customer with the nearest taxi, calculates how much the journey will cost and gives passengers the chance to pay via the app.

'Goto' launched over the weekend and has since had more than 150 new local users sign up, in addition to the 300 who downloaded the app before it went live in the island.

"Unfortunately the conversation with taxi drivers is still not as quick as we had hoped," said Ben Lewis from the company. "We launched with six drivers on the platform, however since going live we have had another four start the sign up process."

Pictured: App designers Ben Lewis and Robbie Andrews.

 There are currently 129 registered taxis in the island.

"Due to having 450+ Guernsey users wanting to use the system, we'd urge the public to encourage their drivers to give it a go, or get in touch to find out more. There is an obvious demand from the public for a service like this, having received over 200 requests which went unfilled due to lack of driver availability.

"Quite frankly, taxi drivers are turning down business by not wanting to try this system."

The app is available to download on all app stores by searching 'Goto Rider'.

Taxi drivers looking to sign up or find out more can get in touch with the team on team@withgoto.com or call 01534 513140.

Pictured top: 'Goto' app being used.