Taxi drivers happy about new safety app for passengers

The Trinidad and Tobago Taxi Drivers Network (TTTDN) has collaborated with a new mobile application initiative called WeSafe to help commuters identify their drivers and track their route.

WeSafe cofounder Joel Holder spoke to the media on Tuesday during a press conference in Port of Spain.

Holder said the app was designed for commuter safety and security and allows the commuter to verify the taxi driver before getting into the car. It allows the commuter to notify their emergency contacts when they get in or out of the car.

The commuter will also receive safety prompts throughout the drive and there is a panic button for the passenger in case of an emergency.

Holder said the app will become available for Android users on May 14 and for iPhone users about two weeks later. He said the app is free for both drivers and commuters and he has collaborated with the TTTDN and all its related associations.

Drivers at taxi stands in areas such as San Fernando, Chaguanas, Princes Town, Port of Spain, and Arima reportedly support the idea.

“This app was actually conceptualised the day after Ashanti Riley was found,” said Holder. “After that, I was sitting on my bed and I said that there should be an easier way (for passengers) to identify their taxi driver, and this came to be.”

Riley’s body was discovered on December 4. She was last seen getting into a "private hire" (PH) taxi in San Juan on November 29 on her way to visit her grandmother.

President of the TTTDN Adrian Acosta said the network is 100 per cent on board with the initiative and will do everything in its power to bring safety to the travelling public.

Acosta also addressed the network’s concerns about the government’s plan to regularise PH taxis.

“We are concerned about how they are going to (do it),” he said. “If any PH driver wants to become a hired (H) driver, there is already a process to do so.”

He said to encourage more PH drivers to become legal H drivers, the government should waive application and processing fees for six months, as many PH drivers have said the financial strain is a deterrent to becoming H drivers.

Acosta also addressed other issues experienced by the network, including difficulties in acquiring a Certificate of Character (COC).

“We are calling on the Commissioner of Police to intervene with immediate effect to do something about the long wait for COCs.”

He said it has become an issue in doing business, including financial institutions, as many businessplaces are not accepting expired taxi badges.

“Without the COC we cannot get our badge. That is the main piece of legislation to get the badge.”

He said drivers have been told for two months that the system for issuing COCs is out of action. Drivers have been granted an extension to work until September with the expired badges.