The integration of smart mobility systems on the revised taxi recapitalisation program as a strategy to modernise the taxi industry

Abstract

This research was about establishing the extent to which digital technologies have impacted the institutional arrangements, efficiency of operational procedures, and coverage of the Revised Taxi Recapitalisation Program. However, the approach in executing this study consisted of two aspects, the first one entailed conducting field investigations to determine the geographical locations of taxi rank facilities within the study area and the categories of minibus taxis thereof, whilst establishing the type of technology systems used to manage the infrastructure and fleet within this sector. The second aspect was to assess the methods used to apply for the taxi scrapping subsidy and reviewing the government’s annual performance reports regarding the Revised Taxi Recapitalisation Program. Based on data obtained from these two approaches and using The Open Group Architecture Framework, a Taxi-Vehicle Monitoring System conceptual framework was developed. This system is anticipated to serve as a basis for incorporating and integrating smart mobility systems within the taxi industry to keep this sector competitive in the rapidly evolving digital transformation era. In addition, it is further envisaged that this system willenable the taxi industry to migrate from the current traditional methods to technology-based platforms that are integrated and efficient, thereby expediting the taxi scrapping program whilst expanding its scope to cater for all categories of taxis that transport commuters and to unlock additional government subsidies that can be introduced as a strategy to attract and enhance public-private partnerships.