Tunisia to Launch Government-Developed Ride-Hailing App with Fare Caps

By : Samira Njoya

Date : mardi, 14 janvier 2025 08:51

Last updated : mardi, 14 janvier 2025 09:05

The Tunisian government views the digitization of services as a key solution to simplify administrative procedures, reduce processing times, and enhance transparency in its interactions with citizens.

Tunisian Transport Minister Rachid Amri confirmed the upcoming launch of a national ride-hailing application on Monday. The minister, speaking on a private radio station, said the domestically developed app aims to provide a high-quality, accessible, and better-regulated transportation service for citizens.

Amri said the app will ensure the availability of taxis, reasonable prices, and quality service.  Unlike existing platforms, fares will be capped at 1.5 times the value of the traditional taxi meter to avoid excessive charges that burden citizens.

This announcement comes amid demands from individual taxi drivers for an increase in the current meter rate, which is set at 900 millimes. Drivers are advocating for it to be raised to two dinars ($0.62 USD) to cover the fixed costs of their operations, which have risen significantly in recent years.

Beyond regulating fares and services, this application is fully aligned with the Tunisian government’s goals for digital transformation and public service modernization. Tunisia already stands out as a leader in North Africa and ranks third on the continent for e-government, according to the United Nations’ 2024 E-Government Survey (UN DESA). With a score of 0.6935 out of 1, Tunisia far exceeds the African average of 0.4247, illustrating its progress in digitizing services.

The new platform, set to be operational by the end of the first half of 2025, also aims to highlight local technological expertise while creating a fair framework for drivers and a more accessible system for users. It is expected to improve citizens’ daily lives while strengthening the national digital economy.

By Samira Njoya,

Editing by Sèna D. B. de Sodji

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