Yesterday saw the launch of a self-professed Uber-killer into the Sydney market. Taxify are Europe’s fastest-growing ride-sharing app, and have already scooped up 4,000 drivers in Australia – with many no doubt looking to join in the coming weeks as this BRAG story goes viral.

But will passengers move across to a new service? A 50% discount to all riders for their first month on the service, plus better percentage splits with drivers means Taxify should begin to substantially chip away at Uber’s dominance on both the driver and rider fronts. At least, that’s the plan.

We shot a few quick questions at Taxify’s Australian Country Manager Samuel Raciti, and he was kind enough to answer them.

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How would you pitch the benefits of Taxify as opposed to Uber in a sentence or two?

Taxify offers a better deal for drivers and riders. We believe that happy drivers equal happy riders and by charging lower commission for drivers we can deliver cheaper fares for riders.     

How will your company position itself to compete with Uber? They have a loyal user base and a head start in the market?

Our goal is to become the number one ride-sharing platform in Australia.
We truly believe that happier drivers provide better service to customers –  therefore treating drivers better and charging substantially lower commission so drivers can take home more money, translates to cheaper fares and happier customers.
Driver delight has and will continue to be one of our core strategies. This strategy has been proven in many other markets that Taxify operates in. Also, our introductory 50% discount will be a good enough reason for customers to try us out!

How many drivers do you have signed up in Sydney? Will this impact the service?

There are currently over 4,000 drivers registered to the platform and this will increase to fit demand.

You’re also rolling out in Melbourne. What’s the timeline for rolling out in other cities across the country? Or are the plans dependent on the response in Syd/Melb?

Taxify will be launching in Melbourne before Christmas.
Australia has a marked lack of competition in the ride-hailing space, and Taxify is here to offer Australian’s more choice. We believe that Taxify offers a better deal to drivers and riders and our aim is to be the largest ride-hailing provider in Australia.
Although launch dates for other cities and states are not locked in at this time, keep your eyes peeled, as we’ll be launching in major cities across Australia in 2018.

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