The Insidious Threat to Uber: A Johannesburg Company is Poised to Take Down the Ride-Hailing Giant
In a bold move, a South African company, Secure Express, is poised to shake up the ride-hailing industry by offering a safer, more comfortable, and more secure alternative to the likes of Uber. The company, owned by Arcfyre International, a protective services specialist, has made rider safety, comfort, and customer service its top priorities as it seeks to carve out a significant slice of the market from established rivals.
The Secure Express Revolution
Led by Glenn Howell, Secure Express is "very different" from other e-hailing businesses in that it owns its fleet of vehicles and directly employs its own drivers. This approach has eliminated some of the biggest problems in e-hailing, including drivers being incentivized to decline or accept rides based on whether or not they’ll maximize their ride earnings.
Rigorous Hiring Process
The company is also "very selective" when it comes to hiring drivers, rejecting an average of nine out of 10 applications. Every employed driver has to go through a rigorous training program, which includes first aid, advanced driving, and customer service skills. They are then assigned a Toyota Corolla from the Secure Express fleet.
Real-Time Tracking and Monitoring
The company ensures all rides booked on the platform are monitored throughout the journey from its dedicated command center in Johannesburg. Its systems constantly monitor for trouble spots across the city, and routes drivers around these areas. Riders are given the option to take the fastest route or avoid higher-risk areas.
Safety Features
If a rider’s vehicle deviates from its pre-assigned route, Secure Express customer support is alerted instantly, and the team can then activate in-vehicle cameras (passenger privacy is maintained as the cameras only face the front seats, including the driver) to get a visual of potential problems. They will then assess if the ride is under any kind of duress and react appropriately if it is – for example, by alerting the police and sending its own reaction team to the scene.
Comfort and Convenience
But Secure Express is not just about safety – it’s also about comfort and convenience. The company’s focus on customer service and rider comfort sets it apart from other ride-hailing platforms. Drivers are trained to be courteous, and riders can expect a clean car, free Wi-Fi, and a driver who won’t be distracted by their phone during the ride.
The Battle for Supremacy
With Secure Express poised to take on Uber, the ride-hailing giant, the stakes are high. But with its focus on safety, comfort, and customer service, Secure Express is well-positioned to carve out a significant slice of the market. As the battle for supremacy in the ride-hailing industry heats up, one thing is clear – Secure Express is a force to be reckoned with.
