With the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic affecting everyone, life as we have always known is changing – and many changes may become the ‘new normal’. Many sectors, especially businesses big and small are affected and where taxi drivers are concerned, it is obvious that the Movement Control Order (MCO) which restricts movements of the general public has been devastating.
Greatly reduced demand means less earnings and the government is offering financial assistance under the new economic stimulus package. This is in the form of a one-off payment for taxi drivers (RM600) and e-hailing drivers (RM500).
Valerie Chan, Executive Director of PICK N GO Sdn Bhd, said that this financial aid is a short-term relief for taxi drivers but with MCO extended until April 28, the taxi drivers may not be able to sustain themselves on their own although they are allowed to work.
The 3-year old company, which has a taxi-oriented ride-hailing app launched in 2017, has quickly embraced ICT advancement by allowing their app users to book the ride as a delivery service. This in turn helps business owners and customers to pick up their groceries or essential items from designated locations.
PICKnGO, which connects some 10,000 taxi drivers around Greater Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Melaka, Johor and Penang, has embarked on this new service involving delivery of items. This would provide an additional source of revenue for taxi drivers in these challenging times through their delivery operations. A customer will only need to book a ride through the application and leave a relevant remark at the message section of the app.
“We are also concerned over the widespread transmission of COVID-19 and have advised all our drivers take additional precautions by wearing a facemask while on duty and have hand sanitizers in their vehicle. We also urge passengers to wear a mask while riding in the taxi,” Ms. Chan said.
She added that the taxi drivers are also practicing contactless and cashless payment system though the app to reduce any physical contact. Taxis are listed under essential services, hence they are allowed to move around conveniently to offer their service, she added.
“This would enable a natural progression for taxi companies to keep up with the advancements and the changing business landscape in the current e-hailing landscape which has become further challenging due to the given pandemic,” she said.
Ms Chan also reminded taxi drivers not to give up during this tough period and is hopeful that the public will support and provide an opportunity to taxi drivers by utilising their delivery services. PICKnGO has plans to collaborate with other industry players as well to provide food deliveries and courier services to help taxi drivers sustain in the nearest future.
You can download the PICKnGO app from Google Play or the App Store.