The new Teksi2Go ride-sharing app is promising better services and packages for all and it is open to any local taxi driver with a good track record.

The application was built by Indian scientist Varad Kumaravelu and the service will be operated by Cab Auto Bus Sdn Bhd (CAB).

CAB’s executive chairman Tengku Hasmadi Tengku Hashim said the app had many safety and easy-to-use features to accommodate Malaysian lifestyles.

“It will have different packages suitable for school kids, corporations as well as tourists.

“Private companies as well as government departments can have their staff use the app too and for greater convenience, we can invoice the ride to the office, if they want.

“This will ease the work of HR departments,” he said during a signing ceremony between the company and taxi associations in Subang Jaya.

Tengku Hasmadi added that CAB will take a 50 sen commission per ride from the taxi drivers.

The app also allows for “carpooling” with multiple pick-up of passengers by the same taxi, which is especially useful for office workers and schoolchildren.

He said schoolchildren are encouraged to sign up as they could be picked up and dropped off more conveniently in their daily commute to and from school.

“Each taxi will also be WiFi-enabled and fitted with a 9-inch tablet device,” he said.

The tablet will be placed on the sun visor for the front passenger, and will display interesting places to visit, eat and other happenings around the passenger’s destination.

“Besides that, the tablet will be able to record any loud sounds made by passengers, and this can then be sent to our call centre and investigated if such a need arises.

“With that, parents can have peace of mind,” he said.

The company is aiming to raise money through advertising from the information displayed on the tablet.

Tengku Hasmadi said taxi drivers would own 10 percent equity in CAB.

The company will also set up a foundation to help families of taxi drivers during emergencies and give out education aid for their children. There are 37,000 licensed taxi drivers in Klang Valley.

Teksi2Go will start operations in Klang Valley on Aug 1 with 5,000 registered taxi drivers before moving to Penang, Johor Baru, Malacca, Seremban, Kuantan and other Asean countries.

“The company has spent the past 18 months designing and testing the App, investing up to RM1 million so far,” Tengku Hasmadi said.

He added that they were aiming to expand to Indonesia and other Asean neighbours in about two years.

Selangor exco member Teng Chang Khim said he has asked the State Economic Planning Unit to study the possibility of making it mandatory for civil servants to use only taxis during working hours.

“This is to reduce traffic congestion in Selangor. They are studying it to see if it is feasible and allowed by the government,” Teng said.