The Flag-a-Taxi Mobile App
S$280
of $5,650 targetyrs ago
We take taxis whenever we need the convenience of point-to-point travel, or the need to transport bulky items. But it's an unpredictable form of transport. I always have problems guessing how long it takes for me to get a taxi. Although we can increase our chances of finding one by waiting at a taxi stand, we do not always know where the nearest is. Also, some taxi stands are hidden from street view, so taxis do not enter. Hence, there is a gap in matching supply and demand for taxi service.
Some of us are willing to pay money to book taxis, but the rest of us don't. This is because we are not in a hurry to get to our destination or we simply do not find booking taxis necessary. However, I would appreciate if I know that I can flag a taxi in less than half the time I usually do. The App Kitchen has developed an application just to do this. This application, named Flag Taxi, is currently available on the App Store.
Some of us are willing to pay money to book taxis, but the rest of us don't. This is because we are not in a hurry to get to our destination or we simply do not find booking taxis necessary. However, I would appreciate if I know that I can flag a taxi in less than half the time I usually do. The App Kitchen has developed an application just to do this. This application, named Flag Taxi, is currently available on the App Store.
How this works
The app works in two easy steps:
Step 1: When you open the app, you'll see a map marked with pins. These pins indicate where the taxi stands are. You can go to the nearest taxi stand.
Step 2: When you're ready to flag for taxis, switch the app to 'Passenger' Mode and hit the flag button. The pin on the map will turn red.
Step 1: When you open the app, you'll see a map marked with pins. These pins indicate where the taxi stands are. You can go to the nearest taxi stand.
Step 2: When you're ready to flag for taxis, switch the app to 'Passenger' Mode and hit the flag button. The pin on the map will turn red.
Why should taxi drivers use Flag Taxis
This app helps you to find passengers faster. You can also call your location to passengers using this app. Thus, it's easier for passengers to find you too.
Why is help needed
Currently, the app does not contain the full locations of taxi stands. Marketing for the app is also not done. To bring this service to the masses, we would like to port the app to Android.
The App Kitchen has planted 35 taxi stands on the map as of the launch of the crowdfund campaign. These taxi stands are mostly located in central part of Singapore.
The App Kitchen has planted 35 taxi stands on the map as of the launch of the crowdfund campaign. These taxi stands are mostly located in central part of Singapore.
How The Funds Will Be Used
Funds will be used for the following purpose:
1) Hiring extra help to for data entry of taxi stands in Singapore. It is estimated that this costs between S$1,200 to S$1,400.
2) Getting a programmer to bring the app to Android. About S$500 is budgeted for this.
3) Upgrades and updates. About S$500 is going into our upgrade for the app icon. At the same time, we will put in extra features for the app based on your feedback during the gathering and in the projects comments. The cost for integrating extra features will be absorbed by the App Kitchen.
4) Media publicity, making extra efforts to spread news on this app through online forum posts, media advertising, and contacting taxi drivers in the industry. We will hold a mini launch party to let people know when the taxi stands are up, and after the app is refreshed. We budget about S$2,000 for this.
The expenses are summarised in this pie chart here.
Foreigners are also welcomed to join us! Extra funds raised will be used to hire staff for placing taxi stands in your city.
Everyone is welcomed to post your wish list for the app on the comments page!
1) Hiring extra help to for data entry of taxi stands in Singapore. It is estimated that this costs between S$1,200 to S$1,400.
2) Getting a programmer to bring the app to Android. About S$500 is budgeted for this.
3) Upgrades and updates. About S$500 is going into our upgrade for the app icon. At the same time, we will put in extra features for the app based on your feedback during the gathering and in the projects comments. The cost for integrating extra features will be absorbed by the App Kitchen.
4) Media publicity, making extra efforts to spread news on this app through online forum posts, media advertising, and contacting taxi drivers in the industry. We will hold a mini launch party to let people know when the taxi stands are up, and after the app is refreshed. We budget about S$2,000 for this.
The expenses are summarised in this pie chart here.
Foreigners are also welcomed to join us! Extra funds raised will be used to hire staff for placing taxi stands in your city.
Everyone is welcomed to post your wish list for the app on the comments page!
The Challenges
We got the contractor for publicity sorted out prior to the launch of this campaign. What's left is recruitment of staff to key in data on the taxi stands and getting a freelancer for porting the application to the Android platform.
To solve staff recruitment issues, we plan to use the funds to hire polytechnic students who will be having their semester break in September/ October.
To solve the issue of getting a freelancer for bringing the application to Android, we will be making use of Elance platform to look for help.
The other key challenge is to get taxi drivers' buy in for the use of this app. We will be doing media publicity for the app and this includes posting on taxi forums and contacting the drivers to share with them the benefits of using this app.
To solve staff recruitment issues, we plan to use the funds to hire polytechnic students who will be having their semester break in September/ October.
To solve the issue of getting a freelancer for bringing the application to Android, we will be making use of Elance platform to look for help.
The other key challenge is to get taxi drivers' buy in for the use of this app. We will be doing media publicity for the app and this includes posting on taxi forums and contacting the drivers to share with them the benefits of using this app.
Thank You Card
A handmade Thank You Card with our logo for your support! All supporters will be invited to the mini app launch party in Singapore. Travelling expenses to party venue not included.
8 chosen / 272 available
Est. delivery is Nov 14
Thank You Earrings!
A pair of handmade Thank You Earrings customised with our logo for your support! All supporters will be invited to the mini app launch party in Singapore. Travelling expenses to party venue not included.
1 chosen / 114 available
Est. delivery is Nov 14
A S$10 Taxi Voucher
A S$10 Comfort & CityCab Voucher, and a handmade Thank You card for your support. All supporters will be invited to the mini app launch party in Singapore. Travelling expenses to party venue not included.
0 chosen / 80 available
Est. delivery is Nov 14
Thank You Necklace!
A handmade necklace to thank you for your support! All supporters will be invited to the mini app launch party in Singapore. Travelling expenses to party venue not included.
0 chosen / 55 available
Est. delivery is Nov 14
Make-A-Difference
We believe you can make a difference! Thus, we would like to invite you to a gathering in September. We'll hear your problems, ideas and wishes for the app! Travelling expenses to meeting location is not covered, but tele-conference arrangements can be made. Details to be released immediately when campaign ends. All supporters will be invited to the mini app launch party in Singapore, held on November 2014. Travelling expenses to party venue not included.
0 chosen / 50 available
Est. delivery is Sep 14