Taxi App prepares for Guernsey launch

Monday 17 June 2019

A new mobile taxi App called ‘Goto’ is coming to Guernsey after a successful launch in Jersey.

Featuring all the benefits of an Uber-like platform, Goto works with existing regulated taxi drivers and the designers say it will offer a modernised taxi service that they hope will eliminate the fuss often involved in getting home.

The software developers Robbie Andrews and Ben Lewis say that the Goto app is designed to “trim down all those user frustration points”.

It has been operating in Jersey since December, where it has amassed more than 1100 users and 35 drivers.

“Goto is designed to be an uber experience but works with taxi firms in small jurisdictions. We know that large companies like Uber aren’t going to operate in smaller places and those places already have an engrained taxi industry. But consumers want a modern way of dealing with things. We think that if there’s a demand from the public and the industry, we can offer that” said Co-Founder Mr Andrews.

Goto allows for mobile payments, apple pay and cash as payment options. In app navigation means that users can search for addresses and are even able to customise drop pin locations if the destination cannot be found manually on google maps.

Location services pairs the user with the nearest available driver, then calculates the optimal route of driving there. The fare is calculated through an in-app meter and Goto will match Guernsey’s existing taxi fare tariffs.

Pictured: Designers Ben Lewis and Robbie Andrews. 

“We don’t charge a set up cost or an ongoing fee, which a lot of other companies on this platform do,” said Mr Andrews.

Having liaised with the Committee for the Environment and Infrastructure as well as Driving and Vehicle Licensing, the Goto team said they've been met with a positive reception as they look to launch the platform in Guernsey.

The goal is to offer the app service between both Guernsey and Jersey, which would benefit people who travel between the islands on a regular basis.

In the style of Uber, there is also a rating system which holds both parties to account with passengers and drivers asked to highlight generated tags at the end of a journey which could include good music, good conversation, polite, abusive, untidy car, or on the side of the passengers, their level of intoxication.

All of the data contributes towards building a profile for both the passenger and driver.

“It’s usually underestimated how important that is. If you think about things like Ebay, the ability to rate both sides of the transaction means that people behave better - a better service and better customers…” said Mr Andrews.

The founders Mr Andrews and Mr Lewis note that when people are gathered in one place to queue, more conflicts are likely to ensure, especially on weekends.

“Especially on the weekend, the busiest place in town would be the taxi rank because you’ve got a long queue and often with that many people in one area, trouble occurs. It’s also not the greatest experience as a passenger. You want to stay in the restaurant or bar until your notification that the car is outside’ Mr Andrews added.