Introducing Vodo: built to improve mobility in Fiji and the islands

The ability for female passengers to choose female drivers will be added soon once the female drivers join Vodo

The new mobile app called Vodo was soft launched in Fiji (Vodo as is in the Fijian word meaning ‘Ride’ and pronounced ‘Vo-ndo’)

This app was created for a seamless pickup experience everywhere for riders and drivers alike.

If you are heading home after work or going out with friends, this app will come in handy to get a ride quickly wherever you are.

This application will link someone looking for a ride to a nearby taxi in a matter of seconds.

In order for a taxi to get a passengers drivers should have the ‘Vodo Driver’ app which is the ‘Driver’s’ only app.

Vodo has several features that help to improve the commute experience for all participants.

First of all, it uses Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate the nearest taxi and send the request. If the request is declined, the next nearest driver receives it.

It ensures that the passengers get the fastest rides and the drivers do not have to travel far to pick up their customers.

The core focus of the app is on making travels safer. Basic information, such as pickup and destination points, the driver’s name, taxi plate and car model, is shared between the parties.

Passengers can also send their trip details to friends and family and let them know they are En route.

The ability for female passengers to choose female drivers will be added soon once the female drivers join Vodo.

The Vodo app can process credit/ debit card payments, which can help late commuters to travel without having to carry cash.

Vodo chief executive officer Anjali said: “We are working with taxi drivers that have official taxi permits. We are open to collaboration with taxi companies or other taxi organisations.

“In the future we intend to charge taxi drivers a small commission on the fee from the trips facilitated by the application.

“Before we start doing it, we want to ensure that the app generates sufficient business for the drivers and that passengers can get a ride easily,” Ms Anjali said.

This feature will be used more often as taxi drivers get more comfortable with this payment method. Vodo is a light app that works on any network and on any Android or iPhone.

It is less than 16 Megabytes (MB) to download, which is equivalent to just a few selfies, and it offers a fast booking process even in low connectivity.

Vodo rides are available in Lautoka area and will roll out in Suva and Nadi soon.

The Vodo app can be downloaded from Google Play Store or Apple’s App Store under the name ‘Vodo Fiji’.

Vodo The app will allow you to link to a nearby taxi. You will be able to the location of the taxi with the driver name and registration number of the taxi. The app will also allow the taxi driver to know where you need to be picked from and your final destination. It would also give you the approximate pickup time.

Vodo chief executive officer Anjali (only one name)

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