JAKARTA. Taxi companies have prepared some strategies to improve business performance in this year. Understandably, the massive online taxi expansions have deteriorated the performance of conventional taxis.

For an example, PT Blue Bird Tbk (BIRD) will continue developing taxi’s information technology, mainly the existing MyBluebird application. “The development will be adjusted with the existing technology development to better serve the customers,” said Director of Blue Bird Andrianto Djokosoetono, Wednesday (4/1).

Another strategy is continuing the cooperation with online transportation application. Previously, Blue Bird has partnered with PT Gojek Indonesia. In an immediate time, the company will make a business announcement related to memorandum of understanding with the online transportation application. However, Adrianto has not yet given the details of the plan.

Aside of taxi business, Blue Bird will also optimize the business of car and bus rental. After carried out Blue Bird Jalan Jalan (Blue Bird Sightseeing) program in December 2016, the company has started the business of shuttle service in Greater Jakarta (Jabodetabek) area.

Blue Bird will also expand the number of vehicles to adapt with market conditions. The company has prepared as much as Rp 1 trillion-Rp 1.2 trillion working capital to fund the expansions. About 70%-80% of the expansion funds will be derived from bank loans.

Meanwhile, PT Citra Maharlika Nusantara Corpora Tbk (CPGT) will not make much expansion in taxi business amid tight competition with online taxi. To date, the transportation company will more focus on developing shuttle service, travel, and courier business. According to Director of Citra Maharlika Jofial Mecca Alwis, those sectors remain giving major contributions to the company’s revenues. “We still control the largest market shares,” he claimed.

In order to support the business growth, Citra Maharlika is planning to expand 15 new routes in Central and Eastern Java. This company will also increase 200 vehicles that consist of 100 new vehicles, while the rests will be rejuvenated vehicles.

Director of PT Express Transindo Utama Benny Setiawan said, the company will focus on increasing and rejuvenating the taxi vehicles along this year, after partnered with Uber since 2016.

(Muhammad Farid/Translator)

Editor: Rizki Caturini