The Tobago Information Technology Limited (TITL) is partnering with Go-4 Rideshare to provide technical support for both drivers and passengers.
Rideshare apps are not a new concept, but establishing a sustainable and successful model in Tobago presents unique challenges.
Recognising this, TTKaribe’s Go-4 app partnered with TITL to provide the technological support needed to launch and grow its rideshare service on the island.
TTKaribe founder Sean de Freitas said the partnership allows rides to be monitored by TITL, providing a level of accountability.
“Especially when dealing with the public and onboarding drivers, making sure that drivers are legitimate, making sure they have their insurance records and that everything is fine. We partnered with TITL to make sure that we, as a company that’s servicing the citizenry and the residents of Tobago, that we have that level of accountability.”
TTKaribe Public Relations Officer Gabriella Garcia noted that driver recruitment has already attracted strong interest, particularly from women.
“With our partnership with TITL and our 24/7 dispatcher system and so on in place, we are able now to track our rides and keep our female drivers safe, so for female rides, bookings made through the Go-4 platform create a clear record of the trip.”
While requests for rides can be made through the app, Mr de Freitas says that with TITL, there is an option to call for a ride.
“Folks who don’t have access to internet or data connection on their phone, they could visit a participating business in our pick-up point programme and call 211 to receive a taxi or transportation services anywhere in Tobago at any point in time.”
Businesses throughout Tobago are also being recruited as pick-up points, and payments can be made in cash or through the app.
With TITL, the company is also embedding various safety features to protect both the driver and passengers during the service.
TITL Chief Executive Officer Ian Williams described the initiative as the first in a series of strategic partnerships aimed at advancing digitisation and fostering innovation across Tobago.
“That is why we require public-private partnerships such as this one that could see TTKaribe bringing their technology, bringing their ideas, and ably supported by an agency like Tobago Information Technology, all down to the benefit of Tobago.”
TTKaribe signed a 15-month agreement with TITL for their support services, which will be extended pending evaluation.