The way forward

Luca Milanesi

It’s a Friday night in Windhoek, and the city is lit up by youths looking to have some fun in the city. Yet by the end of the night, there is only one question on everyone’s’ minds: how do I get home?

While this may seem like a trivial question, it is one that affects the experience of everyone in the city. Walking can often be a dangerous proposition, and taxis and cabs are not always readily available. Safety is always of utmost concern yet there are no safe alternatives available. It is at this point where I must stop and ask, what of the developments in transport in other countries? In most of the rest of the world, where public transport is not available, there has been a distinct rise in 3rd party companies and apps looking to fill this gap in the transport market. I speak of course of Uber, Lyft and other on demand cab services.

Let us now reimagine our situation on a Friday night in the city. You are about to leave with your friends and inevitable the question arises: how do I get home? In this case, its easy. Pull out your phone, open the app, and 5 minutes later your car arrives. You know where it will be, you know who the driver is, and some 10-15 minutes later you are home, safe and sound. The way Uber works guarantees that safety. Each driver submits their personal information to Uber, as well as the information of the car they are driving. This allows the user to actively track the drivers route and see the drivers profile including name, contact details, driver rating and even the license plate of the car that will be picking you up. This allows for a seamless transition from requesting your Uber, to getting into the car. These features also serve to assist you after you have left your ride. The driver is always contactable in case you leave something in the car, and driver will always make an effort to return your items at your convenience. I have always had good experiences with Uber, and have previously left some of my belongings in the car, only for them to be returned that same day.

My question now is, in a city that needs a form of safe and reliable transport, why has no one taken the initiative to start this trend in Namibia? It is becoming ever easier and more affordable to own a smartphone and gain access to these services, as well as a willing client base to service. Fares are fair and affordable, and security is pretty much guaranteed. So where is the issue? Is it the unwillingness of the people to change their ways? Is it a fear of competition and rebuke from previously established taxi companies? My guess is only time will tell, but next time you feel it’s time to go home after a night out, ask yourself, is this the best way to go?

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