Taxis go digital: GPRTU hails Dr Bawumia

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has been hailed by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and taxi drivers for the introduction of a digital taxi service in the country.

Known as Tap n’ Go, the app, which was launched in Accra on Thursday, December 14, 2023 is a collaboration between the GPRTU and the Office of the Vice President.

The system, which operates like the established ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Yango and Bolt, can be download on the Google Playstore and Apple App Store.

Features/requirements

The Tap n’ Go app has features including ‘private dropping’ (private cars operating as taxis), and  ‘metered service’ (where a passenger instantly stops a taxi in the middle of the road and a meter is turned on to determine the charge), in addition to the usual online service app.

There are two Tap n’ Go applications: Tap n’ Go app for users and Tap n’ Go Driver for interested taxi drivers.  Both apps can be downloaded on Google Play Store for Android phones and  Apple Store, for iPhone users.

The requirements for registration for interested taxi drivers are among others, the Ghana Card, which will ensure that all drivers in the database can be traced.

Pilot

According to the developers, the system is currently being piloted in some parts of Accra including Airport, East Legon, University of Ghana, Circle/Kaneshie area and Dansoman, after which it will be rolled out nationwide next year.

Protecting taxi business 

At the launch of the app in Accra, the National Chairman of the GPRTU, Nana Nimako Bresiamah, said when the Union approached the Vice President on the way taxi drivers were losing their business to online foreign taxi services, he showed interest in protecting the taxi business.

“The taxi driving business, as we all know, has been taken online by many foreign companies, and for our members who were still operating the old way, we were gradually getting out of business and the launch of this app, through the support and efforts of Vice President Bawumia, is a timely intervention to save our business.

“We want to express our utmost gratitude to Vice President Bawumia for the concern he showed when we met him and also for intervening on our behalf through this app to aid our business. This is our own. The other apps are controlled by foreign interests but this is our own,” he said.

Drivers satisfied 

A number of taxi drivers who spoke at the event also commended the Vice President for the support leading to the breakthrough in taxi operations .