Homegrown ride-hailing company PickUP Barbados turned five this week, having reshaped transport across the island while creating hundreds of jobs and deepening its community partnerships.
“We currently have about 600 drivers registered with PickUP,” regional manager Hannah Gill told Barbados TODAY. “Every year we’ve seen the ride volume increase, which means more work for the taxi community… the drivers know what they can expect. We’ve made earning easier with the app, because you’re no longer having to be in specific locations to get work.”
The company has also kept its commitment to drivers by maintaining stable commission rates since its launch, while offering additional benefits such as preferred financing through Signia Globe and discounts on tyres and batteries with Quality Tire.
“Initiatives like that are probably the most meaningful things that we’ve been able to accomplish… we’ll continue to work for the drivers to keep getting value for them,” Gill said.
Beyond employment, PickUP has strengthened its ties to the community. Earlier this year, the company launched a wheelchair-accessible vehicle category on the app, partnering with the National Council for the Disabled to provide $2 000 in ride credit to members. In June, free rides were offered to blood donors and, more recently, a long-term partnership was announced with the Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown. PickUP also sponsored the World Domino’s Championships, supporting a driver who is a competitive player.
“Every initiative is really about supporting the people… our people, but putting back into the community,” Gill said. “One of our drivers, by day a taxi driver and the face of Barbados for tourists, has a passion for dominoes, and for us to support that is significant.”
Gill reflected on the challenges of the past five years, including launching during COVID-19, navigating the local regulatory environment and understanding the specific culture of drivers and passengers in a tourism-driven country.
“Having a 24/7 locally based support team is really critical. Local knowledge can make or break a tourist’s holiday or a commuter’s day,” she explained.
Looking ahead, PickUP plans significant technological enhancements but will continue to prioritise local sustainability and driver support.
“The vision of success is definitely rooted in local sustainability… continuing to build on our five years of really elevating the transport sector, maintaining income stability for drivers and impacting the community with give-back efforts,” Gill said.
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