GoCatch uses big data analytics to predict taxi arrival times

Tensions between the independent app maker and taxi industry over regulation still loom

Taxi booking app GoCatch will soon utilise big data technology to provide accurate predictions of taxi arrival times for customers.

Using the SAP HANA in-memory computing technology, the app will provide real time visibility of a customer’s location, the number of taxis that are nearby, and whether there’s a high demand for taxis.

“We are working on ways we can better predict the supply and demand of taxis. For example, when you post a job with GoCatch, it will be able to better predict your chances of getting picked up,” GoCatch CEO, Andrew Campbell.

“If you have a low probability of getting picked up, then we can do things about that such as offering our drivers more points or encouraging you to post a tip.

“Achieving things in real time is critical. People want to want to get picked up in a taxi right now. They can’t wait half an hour or so.”

GoCatch vs taxi industry

Tensions still loom between GoCatch and the taxi industry since the NSW Taxi Council and Crime Stoppers launched an ad campaign in December last year telling consumers to steer clear of the app, along with others. The Council believes the app is not safe for passengers as jobs are not checked through an approved organisation.

Campbell spoke out against the claims at the time, saying his app is safer than the traditional way of booking taxis as it gives passengers the driver’s name and mobile number upon a booking.

“We worked with the National Australia Bank and the eWave payment gateway, and we have had no chargebacks what so ever through the application,” he said.

“The Taxi Council is merely the mouthpiece of taxi Cabcharge so they represent the monopoly interests of the industry. All that the Taxi Council is trying to do is keeping things bogged down in the status quo in order to maintain Cabcharge stranglehold on the 10 per cent surcharge.

“Governments are trying really hard to improve the situation with regulation and they have been trying for decades. But there is only one thing that is really going to change the industry and that’s technology.”

Follow Rebecca Merrett on Twitter: @Rebecca_Merrett

Follow Computerworld Australia on Twitter: @ComputerworldAU, or take part in the Computerworld conversation on LinkedIn: Computerworld Australia

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Tags appsbig data analyticsgoCatchSAP HANAtaxi app

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