The Vrada app is for the moment usable exclusively with Taxi Phu Quoc. — VNS Photo Trung Hieu.

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Residents and tourists on Phu Quoc Island can hail a taxi using their smart phone following the launch of the Vrada taxi application on September 2.

Jointly developed by a HCM City-based technology company specialising in transport solutions and mobile operator Vinaphone, the app can be used only to hail vehicles operated by Taxi Phu Quoc.

Easily downloadable from www.vrada.vn or technology websites, it is available for Android and iOS, the two most popular smart phone operating systems.

The Vrada app uses GPS and mobile technology to connect customers with taxi drivers.

If they are connected to a wifi or 3G network, users can open the Vrada app on their phone to see the number of Phu Quoc taxis in their vicinity and connect with the nearest drivers without having to wait for long, remembering the taxi company's number or paying for calling the company.

After users fill the from and to destinations, the Vrada app will help estimate the distance of the trip and fare.

The Vrada Taxi app, a smart phone application on the popular Android and iOS operating systems, was launched in Phu Quoc Island on September 2, allowing users to call taxis using their phone. — VNS Photo Trung Hieu

According to Peter Nguyen, Vrada's PR representative, the application helps taxi companies save operating costs, enabling them to offer lower rates than regular taxis. In addition, Vrada only cooperates with licensed transport operators, making it easy for authorities to regulate the service.

Explaining why Vrada chose Nam Thang Phu Quoc Company, the owner of Taxi Phu Quoc, to exclusively deploy the app on the island, Nguyen said the company ticks all the boxes like providing the cheapest fares in Phu Quoc and having diverse businesses and flexible taxi packages to meet customers' needs. Besides, all its taxis are new and driven by experienced drivers with a friendly attitude, he said.

Starting on September 2, customers who use the Vrada app to book a taxi will get a discount of 5 per cent.

It is planned that some tourist attractions and prestigious restaurants on Phu Quoc will also launch promotions to encourage the use of the Vrada app.

Dubbed "pearl island" and situated in the southern province of Kien Giang, Phu Quoc has become a magnet for domestic and foreign vacationers in recent years due to its beautiful and unique landscapes. The Vrada app is expected to contribute to making the island's tourism more modern and professional. — VNS