Amber Group, OnTime Taxi Partner to Launch Jamaica’s First Local Ride-Hailing App

The Amber Group has launched Jamaica’s first locally developed ride-hailing app.

The Group says the app, called ‘Amber OnTime’, is a partnership between Amber and the OnTime Taxi company.

The Amber Group says safety is a key focus of the venture, with the app to offer real-time armed response support by Hawkeye Security during life-threatening emergencies.

Passengers will also be able to share trip details with a trusted person as the Group says all vehicles must be equipped with real-time GPS tracking,

With the focus on safety, the Amber Group says all drivers will have to undergo a background check and professional vetting and drivers and passengers will have access to a panic button linked to Hawkeye Security.

In a recent statement, the Amber Group says passenger will experience safer, smarter, and stress-free rides and users of Amber OnTime will receive a $250 discount on their first rides until the end of April.

In addition, the Amber Group says drivers will benefit from what they’re calling a fairer and more profitable earning model.

The Group says Amber OnTime will keep ride-hailing revenue in Jamaica. By doing so, Amber says the app will contribute to Jamaica’s economic growth.

The technology conglomerate cited data indicating the ride-hailing market is projected to reach US$9.2 million in revenue in 2025.

The Amber Group says drivers who sign up for the app will be charged a flat weekly fee. Ride Hailing applications like Uber utilise a commission-based model where they take a percentage of each fare.

The Amber Group says their flat rate model will ensure more money stays within the local community.

Meanwhile, the Amber Group says their new ride-hailing app has integrated advanced GPS dispatch and AI-driver route optimisation to provide shorter wait times and more efficient journeys.

Founder and chief executive of Amber Group, Dushyant Savadia, says the conglomerate is keen to support local businesses and to strengthen the local economy.

Savadia’s OnTime Taxi counterpart, Phillip Fearon, says taxi drivers will benefit from a profitable model and passengers can look forward to safer and more dependable rides.