•Kick-starts drive-to-own scheme, insurance cover for drivers
Univasa, an indigenous ride-hailing company, has launched verify and pay, an innovative digital payment system to reshape the transport system in Nigeria and ease the payment system.
Through verify and pay, passengers hailing a cab can scan the barcode on the taxi to confirm the details of the driver and the vehicle, input their destination to check and negotiate fares, and select preferred payment options such as card payments or USSD.
The platform, which was launched at the Lagos State Taxi Driver and Cab Operators Association (LSTDCOA), Oshodi, was graced by high-ranking members of Professionals E-Hailing Drivers and Private-Owners Association (PEDPA), president, Indris Shonuga, representatives of Universal Insurance Plc, Ayodele Kumolu and Israel Ifedayo, Mizala Tech partner.
The verify and pay has been launched for the Lagos yellow cabs but will also cut across other forms of transport within the state, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt before the end of the year.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer, Univasa, Dr Ben Adeniyi, said the verify and pay platform initiative was born out of the need to be an “Enabler” to service providers and consumers.
“For us at Univasa, providing innovative services is at the helm of our operations and we continue to hold it as a top priority. As a driver partner with Univasa, you get to enjoy the convenience of receiving your payments instantly with our instant withdrawal feature, so “Cash or Card e no matter” as we like to say and for the riders, we are offering you a chance to own your experience while hailing a ride”.
The representative of Universal Insurance Plc, Ayodele Kumolu, also spoke about their flexible insurance packages where drivers could apply and make payments in installments either in a weekly, monthly or yearly package.
Additionally, Univasa rolled out its drive-to-own empowerment programme, which allows drivers on the Univasa ride hailing app to pick a Univasa car as their vehicle of choice to work, make daily remittances for duration of 18-24months, which will be deducted from their earnings from the app, and then the car is the driver’s.
President, LSTDCOA, Olalekan Taiwo, expressed excitement for the new initiatives by Univasa, especially verify and pay platform as it will help them track their rides and also help to improve the reputation of the association as their riders will be more assured of their safety.
