New taxi-booking app PICKnGO launches in Malaysia

Taxi-booking app PICKnGO has launched in Klang Valley and it targets to register up to 10,000 licensed taxi drivers across Greater Kuala Lumpur.PICKnGO is basically the brainchild of five taxi companies - New Supercab, Uptownace (M), Damai Kota Cab, Syarikat Pemandu dan Pemilik Teksi and Perniagaan Lima Sejati.Supporting partners of PICKnGo include Manage Pay Systems, Bank Islam Malaysia, Mastercard, MapKing (M), Proton Edar, My Debit, PTT Lubricants, Metretech, Sunway Velocity Mall and household brands Naturel and Antabax.In aligning itself towards a future of cashless society in Malaysia, the company said its passengers are able to use debit or credit cards in all PICKnGO taxis via its MPay +Pro mobile point-of-sale (POS) terminal apart, apart from using cash.“Through our partnership with MPAY, we are also incorporating cashless payment services for passengers," Pick N Go executive di­­rec­tor Valerie Chan said during the official launch of the PICKnGO app that was held at the Vanity Atrium in Sunway Velocity Mall Cheras recently.Dato’ Chew Chee Seng, founder and group CEO and managing director of the group added that all drivers will carry MPAY +Pro, allowing passengers who had registered in their apps, to pay offline with their cards. MPAY wallet users can also make payment for the taxi service directly from their e-wallets. "These innovative payment methods will make PICKnGO the most cashless taxi booking service in Malaysia,” he added.Meanwhile, Perry Ong, country manager for Mastercard Malaysia said through its collaboration with MPAY and PICKnGO, the company is also keen to roll out "exciting" marketing programmes to offer its 22 million credit and debit card users more exclusive offers and rewards via the PICKnGO app.Present to witness the launch was Minister in the Prime Minister’s department Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, a keen advocate of innovation. Shukri said the app came at a time that is most beneficial especially with the government’s recent decision to legalise ride-hailing apps in the country. “These bills will enforce similar requirements including health checks, scheduled vehicle inspection, insurance coverage and as well as driver cards for both taxis and ride-hailing vehicles."PICKnGO’s entry into the ride-hailing industry will only serve to strengthen and improve the service for passengers, said Shukri."The difference here is that taxi drivers are trained professionals with years of experience compared to other service providers. I hope more taxi drivers will join in the effort that will clearly benefit them in the long run,” she added.The provision to monitor the services of the ride-hailing apps was made possible through the recent passing of the Land Public Transport (Amendment) Bill 2017 and the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act (Amendment) Bill 2017 in the House of Representatives.Passengers' safety mattersChan added that PICKnGO addresses one of the key concerns raised by passengers on ride-hailing apps, which is safety. On that, PICKnGO has incorporated additional features such as an SOS button that will allow passengers to travel with greater peace of mind.“Passengers can easily access each driver’s profile and follow them on the interactive map. Rest assured there is no compromise on passenger safety, as all vehicles have been inspected with insurance covered by the respective taxi companies. Moreover, PICKnGO only works with drivers who have been screened and are trained professional drivers with updated service skills,” Chan added.