Since Myanmar’s shift to nominally civilian rule in 2011, the transportation sector in Yangon has been constantly evolving.
Railways are being upgraded, flyovers built, bus routes added and improved upon.
Now, Yangon may see its first taxi call service.
The entrepreneurs behind the new and aptly named Taxi Call Centre laid out their business plan in Yangon on Wednesday to cabbies and other concerned stakeholders, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported.
“The centre will provide its taxi users with the services of safety and convenience,” Ko Win Swe Oo, one of the founders, was quoted as saying.
He also argued, not very convincingly, that because the TCC’s taxis will remain idle until they receive calls, the business will help ease Yangon’s traffic problem. But as the article points out, there are more than 50,000 taxis operational across 30 townships in Yangon. So unless they all sign up…
However, TCC is offering monthly wages, which may entice some drivers who don’t like the vagaries of the business.
The founders did not site a specific date for the launch of the service, but said it would be “soon.”
If it comes to fruition, the Taxi Call Centre will not only have to compete with buses and cab drivers who don’t sign up, but also with the small but potentially popular taxi apps on the market.
Photo: Coconuts Media
