CYBERJAYA: In just three days, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has launched two different local e-hailing apps meant for taxi services.

On Saturday, he launched caLLme for taxi drivers at airports. Yesterday, he launched TaxiGo, developed by local company Cab Mmobility Sdn Bhd.

Loke said the fact that more and more Malaysian cabbies had embraced the e-hailing platform was a positive development for the industry.

“I am glad taxi drivers are taking up the ministry’s call for them to get on the e-hailing platform. This is the way forward for the industry.

“When more taxi drivers take up e-hailing, it will be good for both the industry and the consumers,” said Loke after launching the app here yesterday.

Consumers, said Loke, usually did not mind taking traditional taxis if the vehicles were comfortable and the fares were affordable.

“The most important element for consumers when calling for a taxi or private car is that they must know how much they have to pay before they enter the car.

“We hope more taxi drivers sign up on e-hailing. Once we have more signings, the industry will grow together,” said Loke, adding the ministry was always open to guiding traditional taxi drivers in embracing e-hailing.

In his speech earlier, he called on taxi drivers to give a good impression of Malaysia to tourists.

“You are all little ambassadors for the country and you are a reflection of Malaysian culture and lifestyle.

“Give the friendliest of services to your passengers, especially tourists who are visiting Malaysia. The government wants you to serve them well so that they will want to visit our country again,” said Loke.

Only taxi services can be booked via the TaxiGo app, which is available on both Android and iOS.

TaxiGo does not take a percentage of commission from the taxi fare. Instead, it imposes a RM2 fee on all trips.

Taxi drivers also have the opportunity to earn at least 10% to 20% additional income from advertisements on digital displays placed on the car’s roof.