Organda Launches Bajaj App on the Heels of Go-Jek, GrabBike Fanfare
Jakarta. Jakarta's Land Transport Organization, Organda, is tapping into the meteoric success of Go-Jek and GrabBike by launching their own smartphone-based transportation service called Bajaj App.
Passengers can download Bajaj App through Google Play Store and put in their order for a three-wheeled taxi starting next week.
The app, which has garnered 1,000 downloads so far, allows netizens to register through Facebook or e-mail, or use the "Cash Trip" option as a quicker way to order a bajaj for one-time users.
Identical to Go-jek and GrabBike, passengers can avoid the fuss of bargaining with drivers over tariffs, as the fee will be indicated when booking through the app. The estimated rate will be shown after a passenger chooses the pickup location and destination.
Users will be able to choose their preferred language (Indonesian or English), input the number of passengers to join the trip (maximum of four) and inform the driver of any items they plan to bring.
Passengers satisfied with the service will have the option of leaving a tip of up to Rp 15,000 ($106) for the driver.
A surcharge of Rp 5,000 will be added to the bill for every additional passenger and for trips transporting over-sized items.
Customers are immediately notified after successfully submitting their order and will be contacted directly by the driver via mobile phone.
All Bajaj App drivers are equipped with GPS systems, allowing passengers to easily track them. Each order will also provide any additional information ̶ such as credentials and license plate number ̶ on the designated driver.
However, unlike Go-jek and GrabBike, Bajaj App offers insurance for passengers in the event of accidents.
A description on their website, bajaiapp.com, reads: “Each passenger automatically secures insurance of up to Rp 100,000. Therefore, passengers can enjoy our service safely and worry-free.”
Organda has recruited 10,000 drivers to provide a 24-hour service throughout the Greater Jakarta area.
Syafruhan, head of DPD Organda DKI, said: “This online bajaj app was created to speed up service and customer satisfaction, especially in today’s digital era.”
He added that only vehicles that use compressed natural gas, such as the blue-colored Bajaj, would be chosen, as they are more environmentally friendly and appropriate for Jakarta.
“The tariff is set by a mutual agreement between the passenger and driver. Bajaj is considered an official public transportation under a 2009 law on Traffic and Public Transportation,” Syafruhan said.
H. Sulwadi, owner of the Bajaj BBG depot in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, claimed that the online Bajaj business could face considerable risks and obstacles compared to online motorcycle services, such as limited routes and a shortage of fuel.
“It won’t be easy. Bajaj are not allowed to go on as many lanes as ojeks [motorcycle taxis]. They can’t go through Kuningan, Gatot Subroto [South Jakarta], and central office areas,” he said.
Sulwadi further predicted that clashes may erupt between Bajaj App employees and independent bajaj drivers, similar to the recent uproar against Go-Jek. In addition, operational hours should be taken into consideration as two drivers are typically assigned with one vehicle, he said.
"Ninety percent of bajajs in Jakarta use a deposit system, unlike ojeks, which are privately owned. There aren’t many bajaj drivers who own their vehicles,” Sulwadi pointed out.
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