Dakuitoga launches ride-sharing app amid fuel crisis

A founder of Qaqi Mai Bike Share has built a ride-sharing app in just two days in response to Fiji's fuel crisis, and it is already working.

Eliki Raloka Dakuitoga, launched the Virtual Bus Stop after the Government called on Fijians to carpool to reduce fuel use.

He reached out to local software company Drua Digital, and a working prototype was ready almost immediately.

"Yesterday, the fellow mentioned there was a prototype ready and we are collecting feedback right now," Mr Dakuitoga said.

The app, available at https://vbs.digitaldrua.com/, currently covers the Nausori-Suva corridor.

Drivers post available seats and passengers request rides — free of charge, no taxi pricing.

"We call them the return. You hop on, we pay our normal fare — bus fare — and then we get to the town.

"That's basically carpooling in a Fiji-style sort of framework," he said.

Since launching, the app has drawn more than 7,600 views and already has four active drivers offering rides on the Nausori-Suva route.

Mr Dakuitoga said he hopes Government will support the platform by offering incentives to drivers — such as vouchers or recognition — for those giving rides for free.

"There's something that Government can step up in — some sort of royalty or incentives for people that use the platform," he said.

Government has not yet formally responded, but Mr Dakuitoga said he was encouraged by the public reaction.

Fijians can access the app at https://vbs.digitaldrua.com/