Free and easy to use, the Mauritian interface of the Commute App aims to encourage and facilitate carpooling across the country. It was developed through a collaboration between the Smart City of Moka and the Danish start-up of the same name. Since the 4th of August, it is available on Play Store and App Store. It allows users to find or suggest trips in a few clicks through their smartphones. This project stems from the city’s commitment to improving mobility through several initiatives, particularly to promote different modes of travel such as carpooling. In addition to reducing traffic jams on the roads, this collaborative solution is mainly ecological since it reduces CO2 emissions.
Installing the Commute App is quick and easy. Once the download is completed, the user must register by entering his phone number. Then the app will identify the country of origin and offer the interface specially developed for Mauritius. As a result, the user will then be able to find passengers as well as drivers having a route similar to his own. Like all online platforms such as Airbnb or eBay, the effectiveness of this app will increase as the number of subscribers increases.
Moka Smart City Business Development Manager, Olaf Boullé explains that the choice fell on Commute App after more than a year of testing different carpooling applications. “This solution appealed to us for several reasons. Indeed, it offers users an optimal experience thanks to an integrated messaging system through which they can communicate easily. There is also the international experience of the Danish start-up developing the application,” he says. And added that the Commute App which has an innovative business model is present on all five continents. “We invite all Mauritians regardless of the region of the island where they live and work to download the application and use it as much as possible,” he said.
More so, over the course of their journeys, users will collect “CO2 credits” that they can redeem through the application for discounts that can be used in partner stores across Mauritius. In addition, over the coming months, this list will be expanded by the Smart City teams who, as promoter of the application, are responsible for marketing activities. As the city is also committed to participate in improving the system, this will be done by working in collaboration with the Danish start-up. However, it should be noted that the Smart City of Moka will not be responsible for the management of the Commute application. In addition, all measures have been taken to ensure the security of private and conditional user data by the Danish firm.
