By Tim McIntyre
The ride share economy is set for another shake-up with the launch of Taxify in Australia this morning.
Taxify will take 15 per cent commission from its drivers, which it claims is only around half that of Uber and is offering a 50 per cent discount to all rider for one months as part of its launch
Markus Villig, founder and CEO of the new platform said he had been looking forward to launching in Sydney.
“We are confident that locals are looking for an alternative ride sharing option, and Taxify is committed to providing both riders and drivers with what they want,” Mr Villig said. “We have based our business model on fairness and transparency and it is because of this that we have had so many drivers sign up to Taxify in such a short space of time.”
Taxify’s Australian country manager Samuel Raciti said he expected the launch to be well received by drivers and passengers, who would both benefit financially.
Taxify has launched in Sydney as a competitor to Uber.Source:Supplied
“We value and reward loyalty and are excited to offer e new experience to Sydneysiders,” he said. “Our focus as a company has always been providing our drivers with higher revenue-per-ride, as we’re firm in our belief that happy riders mean happy drivers.”
Taxify, like Uber, will have surge prices and multipliers for busier periods, but these would be capped to 1.5 times the regular price, a spokesperson confirmed. The cap will not apply on New Year’s Eve however, in order to ensure there are enough drivers on the road to meet demand.
Moneysaver HQ contacted Uber for a response to the launch, but an Uber spokesman said the platform does not comment on competitors.
Originally published as Taxify to take on Uber in Sydney