ComfortDelgro positions new mobile app as 'Netflix of transport'

ComfortDelGro has partnered with Finland-based transport service provider, MaaS Global, to launch an app in a bid to bring together all means of transport - taxi, bus, train, car rental and even bicycles.Called “WHIM”, the soon-to-be-launched app, will provide commuters access to a variety of transport services based on subscription, also said to be acting as the “Netflix of transport”. This has already been established in Finland, Belgium, Netherlands and the UK  and has now brought its service to Singapore.The WHIM service will go on trial in Singapore shortly, with commercial launch expected in the first quarter of 2019. Details of the pricing plans will be made available closer to the launch date, however it is confirmed that WHIM users have the option to pay-as-you-go or through the subscription plan.Ang Wei Neng, CEO of ComfortDelGro Singapore Taxi business said the integration of various forms of transport services into a single mobility application provides a seamless digital offering for customers to enhance their travel experience."We feel that this is the perfect way to enter the Asian markets and make mobility-as-a-service available in the region. Finding the right partners is key to our success," MaaS Global co-founder, Kaj Pyyhtia, said.Meanwhile, earlier last month, ComfortDelgro released its second quarter financial results. Its revenue saw a 5.4%, leading it to SG$941.1 million as a result of the expansionary policy that the company has embarked on. The taxi company has invested in SG$269 million in various acquisitions, both locally and overseas this year itself. However, the revenue for the taxi business decreased by 12% to SG$184.7 million, as the company attributed the decline to its smaller operating fleet. However, the company aims to maintain the revenue from its taxi business Singapore. In Singapore, ComfortDelgro will be taking delivery of 200 new hybrid taxis by August 2018 with orders placed for a further 1,000 to be delivered by 2019.In May this year, ComfortDelGro and Uber ended their short-lived marriage after the two agreed to dissolve the strategic agreement that they entered into last December.