Israeli startup Moovit, which operates an app for navigating between the various public transportation services, is cooperating with Gett (formerly GetTaxi), which operates a popular taxi-ordering app. As part of this cooperation, users of the Moovit app will be able to compare arrival times from the point of origin to the destination, including not only buses and Israel Railways, but also Gett's taxis.
The comparison will show estimated arrival times for Gett taxis, and provide an identical interface within the Moovit app for the taxi ordering services as they exist through the special Gett app. The driver and his location will appear on the map.
At the same time, this cooperation will not include a price comparison enabling the user to find out whether it is worthwhile using public transportation or a taxi to reach his destination. The app will make it possible to combine public transportation routes with taxis, especially in cases in which there are no public transportation routes for part of the way, in which case it could be preferable to take a taxi for a certain section of the route to the destination.
Note that similar cooperative efforts exist overseas making it possible to compare arrival times, and also a price display in some cases. For example, through Google Maps, Google enables US users to compare walking, traveling by public transportation, and ordering a taxi from Uber. One Uber investor is Google Ventures. Another app is Citymapper, which in certain overseas cities makes it possible to compare arrival times, prices in some cities, and even the number of calories burned by walking or riding a bicycle.
At the same time, in the case of Moovit and Gett, the possibility of combining public transportation with a taxi ride is unique, and according to the company does not exist at present in other apps. As of now, the option of ordering a Gett taxi from the Moovit app is available only in Israel, and only for Adroid users, but will also be available to iOS users from the beginning of next week.
Referring to this cooperation, Moovit CEO Nir Erez said, "It's only natural for two Israeli transportation apps supplying smart mobility solutions to join forces for the benefit of their users. We're convinced that cooperation between the companies and its outcome is producing a real solution for a real need."
Gett CEO Shahar Waiser added, "The company is proud and delighted to be connected to the Moovit app in order to make possible a broader and better user experience for those customers choosing to leave their private car at home and move around with public transportation. We're beginning with Israel, with the idea of extending our cooperation to other places around the world."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 7, 2015
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