Zimbabwe's new online transport network company Handei is targeting at least 1000 drivers on its employ within the first month of its launch. The company which is a first in Zimbabwe launches in the capital on July 14 and is similar to Uber, an American multinational online transportation network company headquartered in San Francisco, California.Just like Uber, Handei, markets and operates the Handei mobile app, which allows consumers with smartphones to submit a trip request which is then routed to Handei drivers who use their own cars or cabs.
Handei spokesperson Mr Sam Paul said they were excited to bring a homegrown transport network in line with the ZimAsset blueprint.
"We have developed the App which is available on Playstore and Apple Store for the Zimbabwean market.
"This is an exciting development because there are several benefits and one of them being employment to 1000 drivers within the first month.
"There are a number of car owners who would not want to see their cars lying idle so what they need to do is to register with Handei so that they earn a bit of extra cash," Paul said.
Given the spat of armed robberies, Mr Paul said, it was prudent to launch the App so that we increase not only the safety of the passengers but also the convenience of travelling.
"So we are looking at providing a convenient transport network which is available and affordable to travelers," Mr Paul said.
He said Handei was Zimbabwe's first multi-platform app that consolidates all of Zimbabwe's major taxi companies into one App.
"All one needs to do is to book a taxi or a private car in three easy steps via your smartphone, confirm pickup then confirm drop-off and confirm booking and it's a wrap.
"The app will give you a quote for the selected journey so you know how much the journey is going to cost you before you confirm, so NO nasty surprises!
"Within a few seconds you will have a driver assigned to you with all his details, from his estimated time of arrival, cell number, car model, car registration number and you can even call him directly on his mobile at the click of a button," Mr Paul said.
He said the App uses mapping and location sharing technology to identify the nearest taxi to your location.
"It's so much cheaper to get around via our App because it charges you for the precise distance and not estimates, so if your journey costs $4.28, you pay $4.28 and nothing more," he said.
Currently all would be drivers and cars are being vetted for conformity to the highest standard of excellence.
"This will undoubtedly be the safest and cheapest way to get around," Mr Paul said.
The app is currently undergoing Beta testing and goes live July 14 and will be available via the Google PlayStore as well as the Apple Store.
