Let’s be honest, the user experience in a traditional yellow taxi, no matter where you are in the world, was less than ideal. Your chances of getting a ride often depended entirely on the taxi driver’s mood. If the driver didn’t like your appearance, there was a possibility of being left stranded. If the driver had a personal issue, such as a fight with their spouse, it could translate into a frustrating experience for passengers.
Believe it or not, there were instances where movies depicted cab drivers engaging in malicious acts like kidnapping or mistreating passengers for no apparent reason, and it didn’t seem far-fetched. It felt like they were aware of our dependence on their services and sometimes abused that power.
The advent of taxi apps like Uber and OGA brought about a significant transformation in Nigeria, changing the dynamics of the taxi experience for the better.
In situations where people used to debate over fares and distances, these apps introduced transparency by providing users with a clear and standardized rate across the board, minimizing the possibility of any cheating or disputes.
Did the consumer welcome this change?
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Actually, no. Nigeria faced significant challenges with its taxi services, and it required considerable time for people to embrace new systems for summoning a cab.
You know, I invested a considerable amount of time trying to identify and comprehend the type of reaction this transition would generate, and I detected a sense of distrust among users.
Without a doubt, yellow cabs were notably subpar until just a few years ago. The increased competition within the industry has suddenly sparked a renewed interest among yellow cab drivers to improve the overall customer experience. Therefore, I would confidently say that, all in all, it is a significant victory for the consumer.
What are the taxi services currently present in Nigeria?
Uber
The taxi giant made its debut in Lagos in 2014, but with its rapid growth, it didn’t take long for Uber to carve out a substantial story. In a span of just about 2 years, Uber successfully logged 1 million rides in both Abuja and Lagos. Impressive numbers always pique my interest. I wholeheartedly believe that investing in a taxi app similar to Uber could be a lucrative opportunity for me to generate some income as well.
MyCabMan
While functioning as a typical taxi application, MyCabMan’s user demographic is restricted to students in the Enugu and Calabar areas. The primary focus of MyCabMan is not to reduce taxi fares but rather to facilitate easy access to cab services for individuals.
Oga Taxi
Oga has gained significant traction in Nigeria by genuinely understanding user preferences. The platform boasts a user-friendly interface that includes features like offline booking, emergency contacts, and the ability to schedule rides for later.
Red cab
Originally initiated in 2009 as a ‘call to book’ service, it has now evolved to include accessibility through a mobile app. The enticing aspect is that they offer complimentary Wi-Fi in their cabs. Hooray! I am always drawn to freebies!
Afro
Launched around 2015, Afro has maintained its momentum and proven to be a savvy player in the industry. Afro intelligently facilitated a smooth transition for users, opting not to reinvent the entire system. Instead, it has transformed into a platform for private cabs willing to offer rides alongside existing yellow cab drivers. One of the appealing features of Afro is its allowance for a bit of bargaining by users. Plus, who can resist the charm of a neat AFRO!
The more I think about it the more I fall in love with the On demand taxi (business). You think a commoner (yes, I am being humble) can run independent cab business just to buy Uber app clone? Although I have a fair bit of research to back me up, the mind still wonders. I think I’ll give it a shot and try one of the platforms that seems promising and add a new twist to it with another form of an on demand service as an offering!