AMBROSE GAHENE
Boda Boda Riders in Kampala and its environs have been tipped on how to avoid road accidents and professionalize their business.
Taxify, Europe and Africa’s fastest-growing ride-sharing platform, is carrying out a safety training for Boda Boda riders together with Uganda Police in Kampala with; the riders already signed up to the platform.
This comes after Taxify launched its boda boda app in Uganda this year.
In an interview with The Nile Post, Taxify East Africa regional manager, Shivachi Muleji, said: “Boda Bodas are the most popular means of transport in Kampala. However, accidents have been on the rise and as a player in this sector, we are looking for practical solutions to help in curbing the rate of Boda Boda accidents. We are partnering with Uganda Police to carry out the training so that our Boda Boda riders are equipped with skills and knowledge that will enable them to make the right decisions while on the road.”
He added that Taxify already has measures in place to ensure that a strict criterion is followed while boarding Boda Boda
“Each Boda Boda rider is required to have a driving permit and a national ID and has to undergo first aid and safety training before they are activated. These are some of the trainings that we promised riders to ensure that our customers
feel safe while using Taxify,” said Shivachi.
Taxify also provides two helmets, two reflector jackets and a first aid kit to each Boda boda driver.
He said happy riders give a great experience for other riders, therefore Taxify believes in treating its riders with respect, allowing them to earn more than what they receive on any other platform, and providing a range of safeguards and features that help them work in the way that suits those best. Taxify Boda Boda will charge Shs 500 base fare, Shs 70 per minute, Shs 400 per Km and Shs1000 minimum fare.
John Mugume, a Boda Boda Rider on Kampala Road Stage; hailed Taxify for the safety training initiative, saying this will reduce road accidents around the city.
James Were, another Boda Boda rider at Kampala’s Wandegeya stage said: “Taxify training in partnership with police shall bring about respect of Boda Boda riders’ business and people will have confidence and trust in us”.
Taxify is one of Europe’s leading ride-sharing platforms, connecting millions of riders and drivers around the world to make travel easier, quicker and more reliable. It entered the local market last year.
