Editor’s Note: I ran into Rodney at the Co-Creation Hub last weekend, and we got talking about his new startup that lauched today. So here’s another startup looking to disrupt the chaotic transportation industry, not with tickets like ticketmobile, but with access to taxis via the web and mobile app. Here are a few questions the young Co-Founder, who made a buzz about dropping out of school for this startup, answered about TaxiPark.
OTEKBITS: What’s TaxiPark About?
Rodney: TaxiPark is an online service created by Interactive Shack Africa, to help people move around easily within cities by the means of taxi. From pickups to drop off, our service officially went live today in Lagos, Nigeria. With TaxiPark, people can book for a taxi services online, which is on the web or via mobile devices. As long as there is an internet connection
The product was out earlier this year. It wasn’t well structured initially, but undergoing development and testing it can only get better and better. We didn’t have only the consumers of these services in mind, but also the providers of these services. The cab/taxi companies on the other hand are taken care of with tools that will tailor their effectiveness to provide customers with glad experience.
OTEKBITS: How Do users access the TaxiPark service?
Rodney: We run on both web and mobile platforms, to make it convenient for users. On the web, you can provide your details (which we keep secured) on TaxiPark.com.ng and proceed to the booking preferences that suits you. On the mobile platform, we have our prototypes for Android on Google play store, iOS (Apple products), RIM (Blackberry, App world)), and we’re working to perfect this product.
OTEKBITS: What is the problem TaxiPark is out to solve?
Rodney: Before the banning of motorbikes (Okada) in Lagos, we had our idea surrounding the cab/taxi industry in Lagos for a day by day transportation means. Now that there won’t be okada in Lagos, we are here to provide people with a convenient and cost effective service in cities.
If you’ve noticed, the same problem can be solved in other states of Nigeria and some part of Africa. It is our goal to achieve such milestone, one city at a time.
OTEKBITS: Can you share more light on the team behind TaxiPark?
Rodney: For now, we have the three main heads of this initiative.
Rodney Jackson-Cole is the Chief Executive Officer and lead developer, Timi Omai Creative Director, and Ugochi Nicole Ugbomeh, the only girl, our Chief Technology Officer and also assistant developer. Ahmed G. Ibahim is working with us as an intern at the moment. He is taking care of our publicity and service analysis.
We have a new member that should be joining the team soon and he would be our business manager. Our major aim is to create positive change through our interactive technologies, and we welcome young coders and developers to work with us.
[image via Flickr/ Al Fed]
