Mobitel and SPRPTA launch 'mTaxi'

The Southern Province Road Passenger Transport Authority (SPRPTA) and national mobile service provider, Mobitel recently launched the mTaxi service in Galle.

mTaxi will use an umbrella hotline number that will connect three-wheeler taxis to customers. The three-wheeler taxis that will operate under mTaxi are authorised by the SPRPTA with an official licence.

Launched in the Galle district, this facility will also soon be extended to the Matara and Hambantota districts - giving the entire Southern Province a single hotline for three-wheeler taxis.

"mTaxi is a reliable time-saver. It doesn't require you to call several three-wheeler companies looking for a taxi. Just one call to the hotline and it will connect you with the closest available taxi park, providing you with a three-wheeler taxi. This system is beneficial to both the three-wheel operator and the passenger, said Chief Executive Officer, Mobitel, Lalith de Silva.

"Three-wheeler taxis are a popular mode of transport, and with the tourism boom, especially in the Southern Province - this kind of solution will be hugely beneficial to both parties. This solution like a number of others designed by us, aim at improving productivity and increasing efficiency - to ensure that the best service is extended to the public," he said.

Chief Minister, Southern Province, Wijayalal De Silva said, "I must congratulate both Mobitel and the SPRPTA for this initiative. It is development such as this that we need in the country, to support the National Policy on Transport as outlined in the Mahinda Chinthana. If you look at the numbers, public transport services are used by about 90 percent of the population, while only 10 percent own private vehicles."

"By initiating the mTaxi service, this project not only contributes towards the Government policy on equipping public transportation with ICT, but leads us towards making ICT the backbone of the country's transport industry.

It is indeed heartening to see corporates such as Mobitel, taking the lead to contribute towards the country's development. mTaxi is one step in the right direction - and I am sure it will contribute to develop a modern transport service in the country."

Chairman of SPRPTA, A. Samarasinghe said, "This mobile solution designed by Mobitel is extremely useful for our three-wheeler taxi owners and commuters. Commuters need to only remember one number. More importantly, this hotline will provide them with three-wheeler taxis that are registered with us. Customers can also be ensured of the security, considering that their mobile numbers will not be revealed at any point to the taxi driver."