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Over 1,000 islanders have already downloaded a new taxi app that is being hailed as Jersey's answer to Uber.
Charlie Petulla and Harry Sheldon founded the "new kid on the block" electric taxi app Ryde last year to offer an alternative to the traditional taxi industry.
Developed by a company with ties to Uber, Ryde aims to provide a similar experience to the famous lift service.
The app is currently in its testing phase but is set to launch officially this summer – however, eagle-eyed islanders may have already spotted some of the green and black Ryde-branded cars gracing Jersey's roads.
Pictured: With an app developed by a company with ties to Uber, Ryde promises a similar experience to the famous lift service.
The company so far has five cars and over 10 drivers in action, some full-time and some part-time.
Founder Charlie Petulla said that another 12 to 15 potential drivers are "in various stages of the test process".
"We're at a stage now where we're good to go and we need to ramp things up," he told Express.
"So whilst we're still looking for drivers, we're operational and we're servicing our customers, which is great."
Pictured: 'Ryde' has been founded by former De La Salle students Charlie Petulla and Harry Sheldon.
One of the company's aims is to introduce a younger demographic to the taxi industry, and Mr Petulla said most of Ryde's drivers are new to the trade.
"It's been really nice to bring new drivers into the industry," he added.
Ryde supports new drivers who are working on getting their taxi badges by, for example, offering mock tests.
Mr Petulla also revealed that over 1,000 people have already downloaded the app – despite it only being available on iOS so far.
"We've been in very high demand, which has been great," he said.
Ryde admits to being pricier than other taxi companies for short journeys, but claims to be cheaper for longer journeys.
Mr Petulla explained: "We charge £8.50 to get into the vehicle, but then over the distance, we've got a much lower fare."
Pictured: It is hoped that daytime corporate customers will eventually make up around half of Ryde's client base.
The Ryde founders are also keen to offer journeys in seven-seater and eight-seater cars, as well as electric wheelchair vehicles, as soon as possible.
This, they add, could help expand the business towards more corporate travel and to service healthcare businesses.
Mr Petulla said that a number of corporate clients have already been filling the company's daytime slots.
It is hoped that corporate customers will eventually make up around 50% of Ryde's client base as driver numbers grow, he explained.
Ryde: Jersey's answer to Uber?
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