The News category in the Press Section of the eCabs website

Here one can find informative and interesting articles which the tech mobility company publishes from time to time.

Please click on the photo above each item to access the original article.

eCabs cab company of choice

eCabs is cab company of choice in Malta Today survey

/in /by

The St Julian’s-based company eCabs is the cab company of choice for commuters, followed by Bolt, a Polar survey on private taxis has found.

eCabs is the preferred choice of 50.8% of people and its popularity cuts across all age groups and all regions, while Bolt is the preferred choice of 22.4% of people, being more popular among the younger audiences. Cool, the ride sharing service, is the preferred choice of 2.6% of people, while 7% prefer other services and 16.3% provided no answer.

On a geographical basis, eCabs is strongest in the South-Eastern region with 59.7% of people indicating it as their taxi company of choice. Its lowest score is in Gozo with 37.3%. But Gozo is also the area with highest rate of non-answers and with the other services (12.4%) featuring strongly.

Bolt’s strongest preference is in the Northern Harbour region with 26%. Additionally, in Gozo, Bolt just edges out ‘other services’ with 12.5% indicating it as a their preferred taxi company.

eCabs is cab company of choice among those with post-secondary education

Bolt is most popular among the tertiary educated (35.3%). It is least popular among those with a primary education (8.1%). However, those with a primary education are also the most likely not to use taxi companies.

eCabs is most popular among those with a post-secondary education (58.2%). Conversely, it is least popular among those with a primary education (38.6%). Among the tertiary educated, eCabs scores 50%.

When asked how would they hail a taxi, a relative majority prefer doing so by telephone (48%), followed by online means (42%).

Online is preferred method of those aged between 16 and 35

Online is overwhelmingly the preferred method of those aged between 16 and 35 (70.8%) and those aged between 36 and 50 (56.7%).

The tide shifts to telephone among those aged 51 and over.

The survey was carried out between Monday 5 April 2021 and Friday 9 April 2021. 647 respondents opted to complete the survey. Stratified random sampling based on region, age and gender was used to replicate the Maltese demographic. The estimated margin of error is 4.9% for a confidence interval of 95% for the overall results. Demographic and sub-group breakdowns have significantly larger margins of error.

In the press:

Malta Today

eCabs safer

eCabs’ service becomes even safer, more personal

/in /by

eCabs has launched four new cab categories within its mobile App. This will help customers make better and easier choices and improve the user experience when booking their mobility requirements.

The four options are Eco, Pets, Booster Seat and Assist. The options will contribute to an even safer and more comfortable customer experience. This within a faster and simpler booking process through the App, or all other booking channels.

Additionally, in line with eCabs’ ambitious electric vehicles project, customers may now easily opt for a 100% electric or hybrid vehicle. Clients may do this through the Eco option within the App. Furthermore, people looking for a taxi service with care seat can also book a cab with a booster seat for their little travellers. They can also opt for eCabs Assist whenever they need a little extra help and special assistance from trained drivers. This is in line with eCabs’ Passenger Safety Charter standards.

Clients wishing to travel with their pets may also order a cab easily. While eCabs has been pet friendly for over five years, the in-app experience and booking flow has now been much improved.

A safer, more reliable and pleasant user experience

“These new categories aim at providing more personalisation that offers a safer, more reliable and pleasant user experience. Our design and development team is consistently hard at work to improve our product offering for a more intuitive and seamless user experience,” says Simon Debono, eCabs’ Chief Officer for Marketing and Business Development.

This move follows eCabs’ recently announced project that will see it run entirely on green vehicles by 2025. It also builds on its commitment to offer more choice with their growing number of partner drivers which can be booked through the eCabs Go category in-App. Partner drivers are also incentivised to go Green through more favourable terms.

“These four new categories define the eCabs brand as a more sustainable and all-inclusive one. One which seeks to constantly improve the customer experience. This is one of many more improvements that we will be seeing this year as we keep on consolidating our platform in preparation for our long-term ambitions,” concluded Simon Debono.

In the press:

Newsbook.com.mt

eCabs Green

eCabs to be 100% Green by 2025

/in /by

Mobility company eCabs is embarking on an ambitious project that will see it run entirely on green vehicles by 2025.

eCabs CEO Matthew Bezzina announced this initiative in the presence of Minister for Energy, Enterprise, and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli.

Minister Dalli welcomed this investment as a strong signal by the private sector that wants to be part of the Government’s vision to decarbonise the economy by 2050.

“The private sector will find the Government on its side in its transition towards a more sustainable economy. My Ministry, together with other government entities, is working hard on a holistic strategy that will help encourage the take up of zero and low-emission vehicles,” Dr Dalli said.

She explained that a further take up by the private sector will help Malta reach its targets. “We can only reach our national targets if everyone is onboard. The Government is doing its part to encourage and facilitate the use of methods that are less harmful towards the environment, both financially and logistically,” the Minister said.

On his part, Mr Bezzina welcomed the commitment from Government adding: “The project to electrify our whole fleet and install all the required infrastructure will mean a significant investment by eCabs, which does require equal commitment from Government to ensure that the infrastructure to support electric mobility be implemented. This support given to this vision is welcome and encouraging”.

eCabs’ ongoing vision towards becoming more green

The electrification process has started with the launch of a number of fully electric vehicles including models from KIA, Hyundai and Citroen that join the existing hybrid vehicles in the eCabs fleet.

Mr Bezzina continued that positives could be taken from the sacrifices all had to endure in 2020, “The restrictions during last year’s lockdown sent our industry into a spiral, but on a more positive note less traffic meant reduced air pollution and cleaner air for everyone. The country although eerily deserted, was more liveable than it was for ages. This strengthened our resolve to cement our ongoing vision towards becoming even more sustainable and inspired our eCabs Greener Future initiative,” stated Matthew Bezzina.

“We are seeking more sustainable and cleaner operations in everything we are doing, including the future development of our owned spaces as well as a sustainable framework which includes incentivising and supporting our partner drivers to follow in these footsteps,” added Mr. Bezzina.

Concurrently and in support to this commitment, eCabs will also be launching a scheme to incentivise its partner drivers to invest in EVs or Hybrids including an improved financial model and other frameworks.

eCabs officially launched its Partner Drivers initiative late last year following the Public Service Garage reform concluded and launched by Government. The initiative offers self-employed drivers the opportunity to work for Malta’s leading home-grown mobility provider non-exclusively, essentially allowing drivers to increase their revenue stream possibilities, much needed in these troubling times.

In the press:

The Times of Malta | Who’s Who | Lovin Malta | Gozo News | Gadgets

eCabs R&D Dr Bernard Grech

eCabs proof that R&D is way forward for country

/in /by

Malta should direct serious investment towards R&D, says Opposition Leader Dr Bernard Grech.

“Maltese culture is not inducive of risk. Few people are willing to take risks and this is why a company like eCabs who 10 years ago took a leap of faith and courage, needs to be a role model for tomorrow’s generations,” Opposition Leader Dr Bernard Grech said during a visit to eCabs’ Head Offices in St Julian’s.

“Malta should put R&D at the top of its priorities“

The Opposition Leader praised eCabs for its long-term vision that notwithstanding the challenges, persevered for 10 years with unwavering determination and courage, invested in innovation and technology and become a leader in mobility.

“Malta should put research and development at the top of its priorities and direct serious investment towards this sector because Malta holds a lot of potential and talent that needs to be tapped. Proof of this is the success story that is eCabs – a successful start-up that has grown into an enterprise and is now looking beyond our shores,” said Dr Grech.

“Believing in local talent should not merely stop at applauding start-ups but should translate into tangible actions most notably through the creation of an ecosystem that encourages the flow of venture capital and investment support to move innovative ideas from concept to market,” said eCabs CEO Matthew Bezzina.

Transforming passenger mobility through technology

Bezzina recalled how 10 years ago, eCabs embarked on a journey to radically transform passenger mobility through the application of technology.

“We started small but with big aspirations. We succeeded to make the leap from start-up to enterprise and now making our first steps to take our dream into international waters. The growth-path was far from plain-sailing, within a system that instead of nurturing growth, acted more as a barrier. If Malta wants to be the tech destination it aspires to be, we need to collectively act on empowering start-ups and tech ventures to grow and make the same leap we made,” added Mr Bezzina. 

In the press:

The Times of Malta | Malta Business Weekly

eCabs Passenger Safety Charter

eCabs implements pioneering Passenger Safety Charter

/in /by

eCabs is the first mobility service provider in Malta to ever implement and commit to a comprehensive Passenger Safety Charter. Through the Charter, it is voluntarily self-regulating its standards. This will ensure the highest level of passenger safety in the provision of its services.

The Charter is titled ‘eCabs and You’. It represents a commitment by the Company to consistently take proactive measures to ensure the safety of its passengers and drivers. It also creates and promotes a responsible environment for safer Maltese roads.

“From day one, our commitment has not only been that of bringing positive disruption and meaningful change in our sector but also to help raise the bar when it comes to standards across the board. Passenger and driver safety are at the inner core of our services. This is why we decided to go the extra mile and impose on ourselves standards which go beyond those stipulated by the law” says Matthew Bezzina, CEO of eCabs.

“It is within this spirit that we have been working on the Passenger Safety Charter for the past months. So today we are proud to have reached this very important milestone in our journey. We have researched and sought international best practice. We shaped a Charter which will set the gold-standard for mobility in Malta. The ‘eCabs & You’ Passenger Safety Charter is defined by our brand values, being in touch with what matters most to passengers, drivers and all those with whom we share the road. This includes pedestrians, cyclists and people in other vehicles,” added Matthew Bezzina.

A 24/7 controlled environment with a safety-first priority

The Charter is enabled by the fact that eCabs’ remains the only operator that boasts a 24/7 controlled environment with an over-riding safety-first priority. Whilst the entire operation is fully technology-driven, eCabs retains an element of manned and logistical control. Consequently, this ensures constant support for the hundreds of drivers. It also ensures full control over drivers’ trips, tracking of locations and system access control.

‘eCabs & You’ defines the rights and responsibilities of both the passengers and the drivers. It does this by clearly defining the parameters within which a journey is to take place. The Charter covers all key areas. These include customer care, health and safety, vehicle sanitisation, driver behaviour, passenger interaction, mutual respect and emergency protocols.

Passenger Safety Charter sets parameters for safe travel guidelines

Greta Borg Bezzina, Operations Director at eCabs, said “the Charter sets out the parameters for safe travel guidelines,. It also clearly sets out how complaints are handled, and promotes the ease of booking through the multichannel booking options. Additionally it states the Company’s ‘Lost & Found’ policy. Items found in cabs following a drop-off are returned to customers through eCabs’ 24/7 contact centre.

“eCabs is not only committed to take passenger and driver safety very seriously but to also drive positive action by everyone to take safety on the road seriously. Our Passenger Safety Charter is a mutually beneficial tool being enshrined in the fabric of the Company. Passengers will understand better their rights and responsibilities, as well as those of their driver. They will also benefit from the peace of mind knowing they are trusting a Company where their safety is not a mere hashtag, but a core value. We are committed to keep on leading the space of passenger safety. We trust that our Charter will inspire all stakeholders in the sector into nurturing a true commitment towards road safety.”

In the press:

The Malta Independent | Business Today

school transport

eCabs sets new safety and comfort standards in school transport

/in /by

The mobility company is committed to delivering a safe, professional and comfortable service dedicated to the school run.

eCabs is adding school transport as a new service line to its mobility solutions portfolio.

Putting safety, professionalism and comfort first, the company says that the service, with a fleet of highly sanitised vehicles dedicated to the school run, was very well received by parents.

“Once again we are raising the bar. We are humbled by the response of the parents who chose to trust their children in eCabs’ hands. This confirms the high regard that already exists about our health and safety standards, says Simon Debono, Chief Marketing Officer at eCabs.

“Unlike traditional school runs, we are also offering the service of collection and drop-off outside the children’s home. Rather than the usual meeting-point, this translates not only into more convenience but even more safety for the children to remain within the proximity of their home until picked up.”

eCabs’ fleet procedures include an intensive sanitisation process. All drivers are also equipped with disinfectant sprays and wipes to constantly sanitise all high touch areas within the vehicle.

Each vehicle is taking fewer children than the maximum capacity. This is done to avoid overcrowding, improving safety and respecting social distancing provisions within the van. 8-seater vans are carrying up to 6 children, while 16 seaters are limiting the number of passengers to 11.

The drivers have been given specialised one-to-one training related to the varying guidelines and requirements of the different schools. Attendance is being taken to further ensure the safety and tracing of the children on each trip.

“As a parent, I know all too well that when it comes to school transport, we want the peace of mind that our children are on time for school and back home afterwards in the safest hands possible,” added Mr Debono.

In the press:

Who’s Who | Lovin Malta

eCabs Malta Trust Foundation

eCabs supporting the Malta Trust Foundation

/in /by

Operating from the premises of the Malta Trust Foundation in Floriana, the Food Aid Depot is currently delivering 6,000 food packages to over 1,700 households across Malta and Gozo. 

The fact that since this pandemic hit Malta three months ago, the Food Aid Depot operating from the Malta Trust Foundation has had to open 15 sub-depots across Malta and Gozo says a lot about the current situation and how desperate it has become for many households to simply put food on the table,” says H.E. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca whose Malta Trust Foundation is currently busy running the Food Aid Depot.

“These amounts are beyond shocking and it is therefore very important for us all to remain sensitised and aware that for many families, the situation has become very desperate and far from simple. Distribution of all the food packages entails a massive logistics coordination and we feel very lucky to have found the very generous support of eCabs who for the past two months have been assisting us with emergency last minute deliveries of food packages even on weekends,” added H.E. Coleiro Preca who founded the Malta Trust Foundation in 2015 to support and bring real and significant impact in the lives of disadvantaged young people and individuals.

Supporting the community at this very fragile time

Greta Borg Bezzina, Director of Operations at eCabs, mentioned that the company’s mission was always to bring disruption to the mobility sector and the way people commute. 

“However, this disruption is nothing compared to the disruption that this pandemic has dealt to thousands of families and individuals. Therefore, supporting the community at this very fragile time with our infrastructure has now become eCabs’ mission, in line with the supportiveness value the brand embraces and priority. At the same time, we are indebted to the many volunteers who are making the Food Aid Depot a living miracle every day,” added Borg Bezzina.

Helping the Malta Trust Foundation reach more people in need

Although the main depot is located in Floriana, the past three months have seen another 15 sub-depots opening in Paola, Bormla, Żabbar, Żejtun, Marsa, Qormi, Siġġiewi, Mosta, Senglea, Għaxaq, Mqabba, Sliema, Floriana, Birkirkara and Gozo with the help of parish priests, local councils and schools.

“The basement of St Aloysius College’s Sixth Form for example, is acting as our sub-depot in Birkirkara. Gozo too has many families in need, way beyond the 135 households we are already providing food to. And besides the Floriana depot acting as our main base, the bulk of the food is currently going to our Sliema sub-depot located in St Patrick’s home,” H.E. Coleiro Preca added. 

“We are also extremely grateful to companies like eCabs, who have chosen to support our cause by applying what they do best to help the community in these very difficult times for everyone. It is admirable how every time we are faced with emergency deliveries, eCabs is always very responsive and makes sure that our food packages reach the families in need. Together, we want to keep working to make sure no one is left behind,” concluded H.E. Coleiro Preca. 

In the press:

The Times of Malta | Newsbook.com.mt | Lovin Malta

eCabs technology Kerstin Rizzo

Women in technology spotlight | Kerstin Rizzo

/in /by

Head of Programmes at eCabs Technology Division

Technology has been a seed in the eCabs culture since the day it moved its first passenger from point to point. That seed today became a thriving branch. A fully-fledged transport technology division, composed of an exceptional team of technologists who are driving the engines for the internationalisation vision of eCabs. Kerstin Rizzo joined eCabs’ technology team as Head of Programmes a year and a half ago. She explains how fundamental technology has been in the growth achieved by eCabs in the past years. She also describes her role as a professional in a tech company.

“I wanted to become a chemist and had focused most of my studies on research. However, tech always interested me. I recall myself patiently typing code from various games’ magazines onto our ZX Spectrum a few moons ago”, she smiles.

“Eventually I read Chemistry and Computer Studies at University only to realise there were many tech opportunities available. By then, my choice was an obvious one which I never regretted.”

After 15 years as a systems’ analyst and a software developer, Kerstin spent another 10 years in management, leading several high-profile projects.  She then joined eCabs to realise she had just walked into an immensely disruptive and innovative culture.

“I must admit that I had my reservations. I wondered what my interactions would be like in a company which I thought would have a relatively heavier male presence. Only to find out that the workplace is also highly populated by fellow ladies. I had joined a company whose priorities are focused on innovation and a relentless pursuit for excellence. The vision is an ambitious one and it’s what makes the environment so inspiring to work in. ”

A robust technology infrastructure

Technology remains fundamental in eCabs’ growth journey. As the organisation keeps investing heavily in this area, it bids to consistently improve its efficiencies in operations. Thus it ensures a seamless service delivery to its clients. It also brings about the ability to quickly adapt to unpredictable scenarios such Covid-19.

“Our technology also takes into consideration our growing driver base. Coordination of all the trips, tracking and timely pick-ups all depend on a robust technology infrastructure. This also enables us to lay out our long-term vision for the organisation. eCabs’ primary strategic goal is to internationalise its product portfolio. It is in the process of transforming its current technology to a cloud-based solution.

“One of the aspects that makes working at eCabs a unique proposition is the fact that we are a company intent on bringing a drastic shift in the country’s mobility patterns. Mobility remains a big challenge for Malta with a very particular and complex infrastructure. I am thrilled to be working on such challenges at a company with a vision of bringing a positive change in this aspect.

Being the only mobility company in Malta adopting an all-inclusive multi-booking channel model through the app, phone, web, social media and email, eCabs has made its service accessible to all to ensure mobility for everyone.”  

eCabs technology

New exciting challenges for eCabs technology

In a world driven by data, new exciting challenges emerge to harness that power and make good use of it. “As our service grows, our models are increasingly helping us predict traffic patterns and trends. This allows us to keep offering a reliable service within the shortest time possible and at competitive prices. With aspirations of product development into the ‘Last Mile’ delivery segment my role becomes more fun and challenging as I help to translate these innovative business requirements into IT deliverables, which will essentially see customers and their parcels reaching their destinations in a quicker, smoother and more efficient manner.”

Agility in adapting is also an essential attribute as external factors can very quickly change the priorities. Covid-19 is a perfect case in point as Kerstin points out: “The surreal scenario that hit us in March 2020 had instantly shifted the priorities. But we are an amazing team and we managed to pull this through together, matching the speed and change in direction”.

The future is female

Turning back to the topic of women and IT, Kerstin is proud as a woman not only in an IT environment but also at a tech mobility company. But she also quickly admits that STEM subjects remain male dominated, and augurs that the future will see more women choosing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 

“The fact that I made it means that change is indeed possible,” she quips enthusiastically. “But this change needs to start from the very bottom, tackled from as early as kindergarten. There are plenty of innovative educational programs and science challenges that school children should be introduced and exposed to. It would help encourage a larger cohort of young women to take up tech-related jobs by also promoting women in these fields to serve as role models”. 

Kerstin is interested and fascinated by astronomy. Her first inspiration as a young girl was Katherine Johnson, the famed mathematician who was instrumental in Nasa’s first manned space flights. Famed by the recent Hollywood movie Hidden Figures, Katherine Johnson carved her place in the history books. Kerstin says that there is no reason not to dream big and go for the achievement. “We’re only scratching the surface of possibilities here and that is what I love about this subject and this company. The future is bright – even in the face of the battles we face today.”

In the press:

Business Today

COVID-19 guidelines

eCabs implements fully new mandatory COVID-19 guidelines

/in /by

eCabs, Malta’s leading passenger transport provider, has implemented fully the latest set of mandatory Covid-19 guidelines. The guidelines were issued for cab and taxi operators by the public health authorities over the last days.

eCabs has not only ensured it is fully compliant to the published guidelines but has also extended its passenger and driver safety standards to ensure that their health is given the highest level of priority.

The new Covid-19 guidelines include amongst others, mandatory masks to be worn by both drivers and passengers who should not be allowed to board the vehicle unless they are wearing a face mask. To help with this directive, eCabs are now also selling disposable face masks in-vehicle. 

“We’ve been keeping our fingers on the pulse since day one of this public health emergency, following the health authorities’ recommendations and updating our operations accordingly. We have also sought international best practice in our sector and acted on our own initiative to strengthen our safety measures, such as the installation of a dividing perspex screen between driver and passenger.  These matters are taken very seriously, not only for the safety of our passengers but also for that of our own drivers,” said Simon Debono, Chief Marketing Officer of eCabs.

“I believe it is important for everyone to work together to stem this situation and do their part so that normality returns as soon as possible, whatever shape that may be. I’d like to urge our passengers to collaborate with us in respecting these measures in everyone’s interest,” he added, mentioning that eCabs has also been encouraging payments to be effected through credit cards in the App to reduce cash handling.

COVID-19 guidelines; going beyond what is mandatory

A vehicle ventilation policy has also been adopted in response to these new guidelines and with a view of the rising temperatures. These include the air recycler to be turned off at all times and  windows to be left ajar for better ventilation. The air conditioning filters are also being treated with viral disinfectant as part of a wider, daily in-vehicle sanitisation procedure which has been in effect since the first week of March. This includes extensive steaming and cleaning using the same disinfectant which possesses long residual action.

“Our Covid-19 policies are kept consistently updated on our website. Anyone riding with us can be sure that we are doing our best and going beyond what is mandatory. We are doing our utmost to make sure that in these challenging times everyone can get from point to point with peace of mind and in the safest manner possible,” concluded Simon Debono.

In the press:

The Times of Malta | The Malta Independent

eCabs MOAS

eCabs supports MOAS and the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers

/in /by

MOAS has found the support of eCabs in handling the logistical aspect of a Covid-19 project aiding vulnerable communities.

eCabs is delivering 2500 meters of elastic, 500 meters of fabric and 140 spools of thread to 130 volunteers around Malta.

These volunteers have recently responded to a call by humanitarian organisation MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) and the AWAS (Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers), to produce a total of 6,500 face masks for refugees and asylum seekers in Malta, to aid these vulnerable communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 

MOAS, which is also providing all the material needed, has found the support of eCabs in handling the logistical aspect of the project. A total of 260 trips covers the delivery of all the needed material to the volunteers who will sew the masks together, as well as the collection and redistribution of the freshly made masks back to MOAS and AWAS. The asylum seekers and refugees currently resident in the centres will receive the masks, in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus and protect the beneficiaries and wider community. 

“We are incredibly grateful for this service” – MOAS

Christina Lejman, Head of Fundraising and Project Management of MOAS said “I honestly cannot thank eCabs enough for this who stepped in without hesitation. We are incredibly grateful for this service as it will make a huge difference to the project. People have been so kind in donating their time and efforts, so to be able to get them the items quickly and reward their generosity is really amazing.”

“Although homemade masks are not an alternative to medical grade PPE, they have been shown to slow spread in high density residential communities. Following the call, over 130 people offered to volunteer, committing to produce at least 50 masks each over the coming weeks,” added Ms Lejman.

Matthew Bezzina, CEO of eCabs added, “Teamwork, empathy and community spirit should prevail in times like these. We all need to make an effort to continue supporting these types of causes even when normality returns. A tip of the hat to MOAS for supporting the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers, and for all the amazing volunteers who are contributing their time and effort to this worthy cause. It was only natural for us to pitch in to this project and contribute to its eventual success, in the same way that we are contributing to other community support causes”.

In the press:

The Times of Malta | Newsbook.com.mt | la Repubblika