Beta version of Go-Jek app launched in Singapore
From Thursday (29 November), “thousands” in Singapore will be able to download and try a beta version of ride-hailing company Go-Jek’s app, ahead of its official launch early next year.
The Indonesia-based company declined to give an exact figure of users it is allowing to participate in this phase of the app’s launch. However, the company hopes to serve “hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans before going to full launch”, said a spokesperson.
Access to the service “will be granted in batches to balance the demand and service capabilities”, the spokesperson added.
The app is now available on the iOS app store and will be made progressively available for Android users.
Perks for DBS, POSB customers
DBS and POSB customers will be given priority on its waitlist along with other perks, including a $10 voucher credit for their first two rides, on a “first-come, first-served basis”. These benefits come as part of Go-Jek’s partnership with the bank.
During the app’s beta launch, Go-Jek will cover the Central Business District, Jurong East, Changi, Punggol, Ang Mo Kio and Sentosa. These areas were chosen based on population density, it added.
“We are launching in beta for now, while we fine-tune our service to make sure it meets the high standards expected by Singaporeans. As such, we are asking all users, whether drivers or passengers, to provide us with ongoing feedback as we work towards creating the best possible service for the country,” said Go-Jek president Andre Soelistyo in a statement.
While the spokesperson declined to disclose the number of drivers available during the app’s beta phase, the company has seen “tens of thousands of drivers” signing up to its Singapore driver pre-registration portal that was launched in October.
Grab Singapore responds
In response to Go-Jek’s launch of its beta app, Grab Singapore’s head Lim Kell Jay said that the company welcomed the competition.
“We believe more choice in the market enables innovation and promotes a higher level of service in the industry,” said Lim. “Grab remains focused on meeting our customers’ needs and building on our vision of becoming Singapore’s everyday superapp.”
Singapore-based Grab acquired Uber’s South-east Asian business earlier this year. The two companies were fined a combined $13 million in September by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore for their merger, which had been deemed anti-competitive.
Go-Jek’s announcement also comes two weeks after Mass Vehicle Ledger Foundation, the Singapore-based start-up behind ride-hailing app TADA, released a new app that allows users to book taxis.
More Singapore stories:
TADA Taxi app launched with pool of 2,000 taxi drivers
Go-Jek partners DBS to offer regional payments
Grab, Uber fined a combined $13 million for March merger
Grab CEO Anthony Tan: ‘Tremendous competition’ in Singapore’s mobility business
