Little Cab targets non smart phone users with USSD code

Taxi hailing app Little Cab will now be available to non smart phone users using a dedicated USSD code.

Craft Silicon, the creators of the app, says the move is expected to expand the hailing service to millions of Kenyans yet to acquire smart phones.

Craft Silicon Chief Executive Officer Kamal Budhabhatti said the app has over 23,500 users since its launch in July, underlying the importance of opening up the service to more users.

“The idea behind Little powered by Safaricom is to provide affordable and convenient cab services to as many Kenyans as possible and I believe we are well on our way to achieving this through the launch of the USSD service,” Mr Budhabhatti said.

Craft silicon partnered with telecom firm Safaricom to create the app.

The move makes Little Cab the first taxi app available on USSD even as more players eye the lucrative market.

Users will also be able to save on data bundles while hailing a taxi.

Little Cab customers dial *826# from their mobile phone to request for a cab.

Little Cab launched in July with a base fare of Sh270 triggering a price war that has seen American taxi hailing company, Uber, slash its fares.

The firm has already signed up 1,400 drivers.

“We are also committed to our drivers’ welfare. Since our launch, Little takes no more than 15 percent off drivers’ earnings compared to other players in the market who take between 18 percent to 25 percent,” he said.

Other players in the industry include Mondo Ride and Taxify.