Karhoo, a start-up based in London was said to be a game-changer as it started growing on commuters. It’s an app that’s like the Agoda or Trivago of taxi cabs comparing rates from different transportation service providers including: mini cabs, black cabs and executive cars.

The app allowed commuters to connect with big names and small names alike in taxis alike from Com Cab and Addison Lee (making up 8000 Black Cabs in London) to Mornington Cars based on in Camden.
The app was well received by commuters and London and soon was able to open up its headquarters in New York too and reported that within its first 12 weeks, it already reached 3000 downloads.

Big Expectations

Just October this year, their spokesman shared how the company had already acquired millions of dollars to fund for their operations and were looking to exceed the $300M mark and even more so to reach $1B over the next 18months. This was clarified later on by the company’s founder Daniel Ishag in an interview with Financial Times where he said they never got to raise $250M

When the Game-Changer Lost in the Playing Field

It was well-received by commuters in London and soon was able to open up its headquarters in New York too. But news of excessive free rides from the app spread and has been reported to be a cause of business loss for the company. One employee who asked to be kept anonymous, shared that there were too many promo codes released which lead them to having to manage fraud. “They were usually $40 (£32) promo codes per ride, so people would take a $39 (£31) dollar ride over a $28 (£23), for example.”

Though other rumors and cases pointed out were asked if these were the cause of the company’s closure. One question raised was how the company seemed to be set-up in extravagance as they leased prime locations in London and then another in Park Avenue, around Chelsea in New York City. While an additional 3 apartments were rented in Manhattan for the company’s senior management to use personally. But Mr.Ishag insisted that the company had allocated and managed the company’s budget just the same as any start-up would as they were hiring and opening five locations across three continents.

And another angle asked is that of proper funding as there were rumors of promised funding not delivered by investors. However, this one is unproven and no one has confirmed such allegation.
So there is still debate as to the cause of the company’s down fall.

Money Invested in the Right Place – SGMaxi

Meanwhile, we at SGMaxi understand and invest on what we find is valuable, not just for the growth of our business but the comfort and safety of our customers. Extravagance is more seen in the level of service we provide, which despite the quality of is quite affordable and reasonably priced. Our Maxicabs, minibuses and limousine services are available and can be conveniently booked online with the best prices you can have for you transportation needs.

We invest in the training of our staff and drivers and in ensuring that our vehicles are kept to highest standards in comfort and safety. So when you book with SGMaxi you know you’re putting the money in the right place, and that it will be money and time well-spent.

A couple of weeks ago we shared the news of the amazing technology of driverless cars in the streets of Singapore offering free rides to commuters. Though driverless is not quite here yet, we welcome another leap in the automotive technology as completely electronic taxis are about to hit the roads as soon as early next month.

HDT Singapore Taxi, a new operator in the field shared how the roll-out was actually delayed for a month due to some glitches they were ironing out but were happy to announce that the taxis will finally be ready early next month.

Per James Ng (HDT Singapore Taxi’s managing director), the glitches were actually surrounding a unique system for driver management that will allow taxi’s to keep track of fair income and targets full-time employed drivers.

The First 10 to Hundred

According to Mr. Ng, a fleet of 10 will be the first to hit the roads. They will be manufactured by auto and battery maker BYD (Build Your Dreams) based in Shenzen. This fleet of 10 will be expected to ramp up gradually to complete a 100 units by next year.

This e-taxi project by HDT is part of the electronic-vehicle (EV) test bed that the government has been working on, though Mr. Ng has still had to cover costs for operations, that include mobile payment systems and a contact center for support.

The project is still in trial phase so production will be limited to 100 for now, with licenses to operate valid for 8 years.

Needs for the Road

The e-taxi’s will be supported by a contact center, and of course charging stations will need to be in place to recharge these e-taxi’s.

Mr. Ng shares that HDT will need approximately 40 charging stations that will each cost about $20,000. They have 26 stations set-up so far.

They’ve got the auto and stations, now who’s going to drive?

There is tough competition for HDT from services offered by Uber and Grab, but Mr.Ng isn’t too worried about it, they have actually already hired 10 drivers already. He feels that it’s an opportunity to reel in drivers as they are assured a fixed salary and are trained well for the job.

E-Taxi Drivers are offered a base salary of $1,600 a month but with hitting monthly revenue targets they can earn up to $3,200. If they exceed given targets they can qualify for HDT’s profit sharing program.

The Fare

The charge for e-taxis are higher than the normal 22-cent meter charge from regular taxis. A 22Km ride could cost and additional $1.80 when compared.

But some commuters are willing to forego the higher rate as they appreciate a quieter ride while also helping with the environment.

Still the Choice for Comfort & Safety

Advancement in technology can’t be helped. It’s the future that we are driving to, and if it’s one that helps with our environment it’s one that deserves our support.

E-taxis could also be a future for SGMaxi, we are always ready to be the best. As this technology is still on trial, we are centered in offering the best transportation with comfort, safety and reliability for our customers.

Our Maxi Cabs and Mini buses are all maintained to the highest standards in both comfort and safety, and are driven by our well-trained and professional drivers. So you can be sure your ride will just be as quiet, convenient and safe.

You can also always be sure that any important cargo you take with you will be secured in our vehicles, with our drivers ready to support you in loading and loading them.

So if you’re looking for the best and most reliable ride for your trips and destination, SGMaxi is a click or a call away.

On September 24th 2016 afternoon, a terrible accident at the Marina Bay Sands Tower 1 hotel driveway sent a 69-year old Marina Bay Sand’s valet captain and Trans-Cab driver to the hospital.

Police were alerted at around 1:30PM, and according to the police report, both were taken to the hospital conscious and were given immediate treatment at Singapore General Hospital.

Caught on Camera

Though investigations are still ongoing, the horrific incident was caught on video via a dashboard camera from a vehicle near the scene. The video footage shows how the red Trans-Cab sped towards the elderly victim while he was walking along the driveway.

The victim tried to take steps back seemingly in shock but the taxi continued to speed towards him and sent him flying after the impact.

The cab seemingly out of control ran straight to crash into a pillar and into a stop by the bushes. You then see the driver getting out of the cab and checking on the victim and staff headed towards the accident site.

Safety is Important

Accidents may happen all the time, but can definitely be prevented. It seems though based on the driver’s reaction and the car’s behavior that the cause may have been due to a failure in the vehicle. But as the investigation is still ongoing, the cause of the accident has yet to be identified.

It is important to be vigilant all the time whether you’re on the road as a pedestrian or behind the wheel. It is also very important for drivers to make sure to check the condition of their vehicle before leaving the garage. Including breaks, automated systems, oil, water and safety features.

In today’s busy and fast-paced world, safety precautions tend to be forgotten unless reinforced by operators. Sadly, this terrible miss can lead to horrible accidents like this. That is why safety is of the utmost importance to us, be it our maxi cab services or our premium Rolls Royce Limo, safety is always placed at a premium no matter which vehicle you are travelling with us!

SGMaxi’s Safety Standards

At SGMaxi, we understand the value of safety, and we make it a priority to ensure that our vehicles are maintained to the highest levels and standards of both safety and comfort. We have recently been awarded the BizSafe Level 3 certifications as are working towards other quality certifications as well.

Apart from this, our drivers and support staff are well-trained in both safety standards and emergency response. So we are always ready for emergencies apart from being the best when it comes to safety and avoiding accidents. Our maxi cabs and minibuses, limousines services and buses for charter are all equally maintained to these high standards.

Our maxi cabs are often hired to transport family members, dear friends or very valuable goods or and equipment, so we take it as our duty to ensure the safety of our passengers and cargo. So if you’re looking for a ride that’s convenient, reliable and most of all, safe with consistency in delivery, all you need to do is to book with SGMaxi online or through the phone.

We’ll take you and your luggage where you need to go and you can be sure that you get there safely sitting in the best comfort you can hire for your transport services in Singapore.