Gett
| Developer(s) | Gett, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Initial release | November 1, 2010 |
| Operating system | iOS 4.3 or later; Android 2.2 or later |
| Size | 5.9 MB |
| Available in | Hebrew, Russian, English |
| Type | Travel |
| License | Freeware |
| Website | gett |
Gett, previously known as GetTaxi, is an Israeli-based startup that connects customers with taxi drivers. Customers can order a cab either through the company's website, or by using the company's GPS-based smartphone app.[1] The app is compatible with iPhone and Android platforms. Gett currently operates in about 70 cities across Israel, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.
History
GetTaxi was founded by Israeli entrepreneurs Shahar Waiser and Roi More. Waiser came up with the idea in the summer of 2009 during a thirty-minute wait for a taxi to the airport in Palo Alto. GetTaxi's beta version started operating in Tel Aviv two years later, in the summer of 2011.,[2] and the service was launched in London in August 2011.[3]
In March 2012, GetTaxi branched out to Moscow, [4][5] and opened their first USA offices in New York City. Mashable predicted "This App Will Revolutionize the NYC Taxi Experience".[6]
By June 2012, the company had raised $30 million, including $9 million more from British billionaire industrialist Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries Fund, to facilitate GetTaxi's entry into New York City as well as other U.S. markets. In August 2014, the company raised a $25 million investment from Vostok Nafta Investments.[7]
Pricing and Payments
The Gett revenue model varies from country to country. It usually includes any of these three models: charging monthly dispatch fees from taxi drivers, charging a per ride fee from drivers or charging fees for corporate rides. In New York City, Gett plans to add a feature for splitting taxis with other users in nearby area. [8] [9]
Reception
The Gett app was positively received by mobile users and technology blogs such as TechCrunch and Mashable, and was often described as a revolutionary service. The app was awarded the best application by Time Out Tel Aviv. Taxi drivers in Tel Aviv were welcoming to the new service, but several taxi fleet owners have prohibited drivers from using the application, fearing the competition.[6] [10]
Acquisition by Volkswagen Group
in May 2016, Volkswagen Group announced that it would be investing $300 million in Gett, acquiring a controlling stake in Gett. Volkswagen plans to integrate Gett into the group as part of Volkswagen's efforts to create its own mobility provider. According to Volkswagen, the merger is still subject to regulatory approval, but once it is approved, the merger will help to expand Gett's services beyond its current service area.[11]
External links
References
- ^ Orpaz, Inbal (June 7, 2012). "Get Taxi raises $20 million to enter New York market". Haaretz.
- ^ Shalita, Hen, Hayut, Ilanit (February 16, 2012). "The Startups are killing Taxi Services". Globes.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Lacy, Sarah (July 11, 2011). "Get Taxi Launching in London". TechCrunch.
- ^ Gilbert, Trevor (March 1, 2012). "Moscow, Meet GetTaxi. GetTaxi, Moscow". pandodaily.
- ^ Taxi app development explained
- ^ a b Fitzpatrick, Alex (June 7, 2012). "This App Will Revolutionize the NYC Taxi Experience". Mashable.
- ^ Primack, Dan. "Fortune Term Sheet - Venture Capital Deals". www.Fortune.com. Fortune. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
- ^ Kelly, Meghan (June 6, 2012). "GetTaxi CEO actually a cab driver, sets sights on NYC". VenturaBeat.
- ^ unknown (July 17, 2011). "Hail a cab with a tap of your smart phone". Israel21C.
- ^ Ewan (July 19, 2011). "Get Taxi — come on, I just can't wait!". Mobile Industry Review.
- ^ "Volkswagen Group announces a strategic partnership with on-demand mobility provider Gett". Volkswagen AG. Retrieved 27 May 2016.