Gojek launches taxi booking feature, starts ESG reporting ahead of expected listing

INDONESIAN ride-hailing startup Gojek on Tuesday announced the launch of GoTaxi, a dedicated feature which will enable commuters to book taxis in Singapore via the firm's eponymous app, starting from next week.

Through the GoTaxi option within the app, riders will be matched to taxis exclusively and pay a metered fare rather than a fixed one. An estimated fare range will be shown at the point of booking.

The new taxi booking feature will bring additional benefits to both riders and drivers alike, said Gojek in a press statement on Tuesday.

With an enlarged driver pool comprising more drivers, commuters will enjoy greater ride availability and improved wait times on the app platform. The complimentary personal accident insurance currently applied to all trips on GoCar extends to GoTaxi riders as well.

On the other hand, Gojek says GoTaxi will offer taxi drivers greater flexibility and increased earning opportunities, with the additional option of metered fare jobs on top of the fixed fare jobs they currently receive through GoCar.

Taxi drivers will also stand to enjoy the same driver benefits that Gojek private-hire drivers do - including fuel rebates, earnings protection insurance and subsidised health services, said the firm.

"Building on (the launch of GoTaxi), we'll continue to explore the potential launch of new services and products that will make sense in the market," said Gojek Singapore's general manager Lien Choong Luen.

Last week, Gojek launched its first ESG (environmental, social and governance) report, through which it pledged to achieve "zero emissions, zero waste and zero barriers" by 2030.

The firm intends to structure its approach to these commitments around the areas of environmental sustainability to achieve "zero emissions" and "zero waste", as well as socio-economic progress and equality and inclusion to achieve "zero barriers".

In a media statement issued on April 30, Gojek said it is "already making significant strides" towards these targets, which will be reviewed and disclosed annually.

For months, Gojek has been rumoured to be close to finalising a proposed merger with Indonesian e-commerce platform Tokopedia, after its merger talks with Singapore-based rival Grab reportedly fell through in January this year.

Sources recently told The Business Times that the Gojek-Tokopedia merger is expected to finalise this year and seek a listing in 2022.