REPORT: New taxi app hopes to improve transport around Damascus

Despite over six years of war in Syria, local businesses haven't stopped wanting to improve the daily lives of residents with modern technology.

Like the Uber taxi service, the Mallah mobile app is now available in Syria, mainly in the capital Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo.

Mohamad Mallah, the founder of the service, said his family owned a radio taxi service business in 2006.

After having to close their business due to the war, Mallah's family moved to Egypt and stayed there for several months before returning to Damascus to try to revive their company.

They bought what was left of the cars from Aleppo and continued their service in Damascus.

Mallah said the cars later operated as taxies between provinces, before he decided to create the mobile service app to operate alongside his existing company.

“The world has advanced five years ahead of us, and we wanted to develop the business a long time ago, but the war and the circumstances in the country have pushed us back, but here we are trying to start again and make a success,” Mallah said.

Mallah said the service is targeted at those who like modern technology and want to use apps for ordering a taxi, and those who are searching for cheaper taxi prices.

Mohamad, a new customer to the service, praised the new service.

“I think that the Mallah app is a good solution, I can order a taxi while I'm at home and I don't have to suffer and wait in the street an hour to find a taxi. It is a good service and saves time in hot or cold weather. Good service and prices. You can order a taxi and after 10 to 15 minutes and it will be by your home,” he said.

And for some customers, the Mallah service is considered a safer option than hailing a cab on the street.

Elham said she feels more comfortable using the Mallah app to order a taxi, as she knows the car belongs to a reputable company.

“Sure it is safer with a private company because I know the office and the employees, the cars belong to a specific company, so it is safer and cheaper too,” she said.

Mallah now operate 50 cars in Damascus and 25 cars in Aleppo and hope to expand their fleet to reach even more customers.



REUTERS


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