We have already known for some time that WeChat is gradually evolving into much more than just a messaging service by offering a Facebook-like feed, games, as well as brand outreach via official accounts, but now it is stepping up its ante by providing services.
WeChat users can now book a taxi directly within the app as it announced a partnership with Easy Taxi today, with a pilot program starting first in Singapore. The version of WeChat available in China (known as Weixin) offers far more features than WeChat and already has a taxi-booking function in place since January this year — which chalked up 21 million taxi rides in just over a month.
All you need to do in Singapore now is follow Easy Taxi’s official WeChat account (EasyTaxiSGP) and click on ‘Call Taxi’ — which will then lead you to a request page. Currently, you still need to log in to your EasyTaxi account before you can book a taxi though. The two companies say that in a few weeks, Easy Taxi will be integrating its cashless payment feature on the WeChat platform, which would make the process a lot more convenient.
Easy Taxi’s tie-up with WeChat comes as its competitor GrabTaxi has been making waves and rising in popularity throughout the Southeast Asia region.
The 💜 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
In line with the partnership, Easy Taxi is offering S$5 (US$4) off on taxi fares for bookings made through WeChat, while taxi drivers will also get an additional $1 for each successful booking till the end of this month.
The taxi-booking partnership with WeChat will be extended to other countries where both the messaging app and Easy Taxi are available — which is a broad list, given that Easy Taxi is present in over 30 countries. Rocket Internet, the parent company of Easy Taxi, is also seeking to integrate its other services including online food delivery firm FoodPanda into WeChat.
Tencent’s vice president of the international business group, Poshu Yeung, told TNW in an earlier interview that online-to-offline activities would be a huge part of WeChat’s overseas strategy, and it seems like the chat app is going all out to deliver on that.
Headline image via WeChat
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.