New rideshare app planned for P.E.I.
Sarah MacMillan | CBC News | Posted: October 18, 2016 10:11 PM | Last Updated: October 18, 2016
Island woman launching FalconX as a 'more efficient' taxi option
Samar Najarian doesn't drive a car — her idea for a rideshare app came after spending a lot of time in, and waiting for, taxis.
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Over the last year and a half, the 31-year-old Charlottetown woman has been travelling back and forth with her husband to his cancer treatments at the QEH, and the couple would sometimes have long waits for cabs.
If she complies with the bylaws, she can do whatever she wants. — Neil Harpham, Charlottetown Taxi Assoociation
"It's just more efficient. And everyone uses technology anyways these days," said Najarian.
Since March, she's been working on developing the new app, called FalconX, planning to launch it next month.
How it works
The concept is simple: the app is free to download, and both drivers and riders create accounts. It's like Uber, except it will be a licensed taxi service.
When a rider logs in, they can connect directly with a nearby driver. Users can also track when the driver is supposed to arrive.
Passengers can pay with cash, debit, or credit, with the company keeping a percentage of the profit — they haven't decided yet on the company's cut, said Najarian.
Job flexibility
Najarian hopes the app isn't just convenient for passengers but for drivers, who can choose when they want to work— offering them job flexibility.
"With this job you can go online [and] offline. Say for example if you have to pick up your kids from daycare. You can go offline, go pick them up [and then go back online]," said Najarian.
Najarian has seven drivers signed up so far, and said she is looking for more. The app will serve all of P.E.I., so she plans to hire drivers from across the Island.
Competition? No problem
The Charlottetown Taxi Association welcomes a new taxi service in Charlottetown, said president Neil Harpham.
"If she complies with the bylaws, she can do whatever she wants," said Harpham.
Najarian plans to follow the taxi bylaws, she said. FalconX will operate as a licensed taxi stand, which includes requirements such as following the mandated fare systems, marking the cars with decals and hiring licensed taxi drivers.
Unlike taxis, however, you will not be able to hail a FalconX car from the street — you must book through the app.
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