The e-hailing service Wanatu is experiencing rapid growth in Pretoria and Centurion, with plans to extend its reach across Gauteng and other regions in South Africa. This expansion follows the introduction of its new technology stack that utilizes the Google Maps Platform Mobility Services suite.
Since its inception in 2024, Wanatu has positioned itself as a safer alternative to public transportation, employing 131 drivers and facilitating nearly 12,000 trips monthly. The new technology is set to propel the company’s growth further.
Utilizing Google Maps Mobility Services
The technology stack, launched in July, was developed by Project Troy and is grounded in the Google Maps Mobility Services toolkit from 28East, a partner of Digicloud Africa and an authorized Google Maps partner in Africa.
Marius van der Merwe, founder and Managing Director of 28East, states that Google Maps Mobility Services provide a tailored development toolkit and backend infrastructure designed specifically for ridesharing, scheduled transport, and last-mile logistics.
This upgrade allows Wanatu to scale its business model effectively, he adds.
“Google has designed the suite for very specific use cases, with components like a fleet engine, driver SDK, and consumer SDK. It is a private programme only available through partners, offering the building blocks companies like Wanatu need,” he notes.
According to Gustav Grotius, Systems and Logistics Manager at WANATU, “Our previous navigation system was not meeting our needs. We had identified a massive need for safe and reliable transport throughout the entire country, but our tech stack was holding us back from expansion.”
Wanatu aimed to address navigation difficulties, estimate inaccuracies, and dispatch issues caused by inconsistent routing in Gauteng.
They also sought enhanced real-time driver tracking, dependable location updates, and comprehensive operational visibility.
Kent Klein, Managing Director, and Johan Bloem, CTO of Project Troy, explain that Wanatu’s technology stack was completely overhauled to provide better functionality for drivers, riders, and management.
Bloem elaborates, “Previously the tech stack was in a .NET Azure type of stack with Microsoft SQL databases and custom navigation software.”
Klein adds, “They needed a different stack with an entirely different look and feel, which took the guesswork out of the mobility elements. Wanatu also needed precise data to improve routing and resource utilization.”
“For instance, an incorrectly mapped route means that the customer ultimately loses revenue because if a flat rate has been communicated and the driver ends up taking the longer route, it’s just not good business.”
The new system incorporates the Google Maps Platform Mobility and Fleet Engine, offering advanced navigation, updated street names, and real-time traffic insights. The upgraded setup has resolved navigation issues through accurate driver tracking and live maps.
This has led to enhanced ETAs, improved dispatch accuracy, and data-driven planning capabilities.
Grotius remarks, “With our new tech stack and Google Maps Mobility Services, we are now confidently exploring expansion in Gauteng, and we are in talks with authorities in other centres across South Africa. We are also considering adding parcel services to our portfolio.”
Overcoming Staleness Issues
A significant challenge was addressing ‘staleness,’ where the previous system struggled to maintain visibility of driver availability across different locations.
Bloem states, “To enable staleness detection, we have a live dashboard of all the drivers, their current location, and when last that location was updated. If staleness is detected, the control room can call the driver to confirm their location.”
“This allows Wanatu to allocate the closest driver to the ride request, which improves both customer and driver experiences.”
Managing Expenses
Van der Merwe highlights that a key benefit of Google Mobility Services is its flexible billing framework. “Google has packaged this last mile product with a unique commercial model.”
He explains, “The typical Google Maps APIs and their costs are associated with input APIs, which means there’s a cost each time you call an API. It’s a pay-as-you-go model. However, Wanatu charges customers a flat rate.”
Grotius notes that this model was crucial for Wanatu. “This was a major concern from the start, as being a newcomer in the industry, we needed to manage the curiosity of consumers who might want to try the app without booking a trip. Previously, we incurred costs for those attempts, but that’s no longer an issue thanks to the Google Mobility suite.”
Prepared for Expansion
“With our new systems, we are better positioned to identify additional revenue opportunities, detect the causes of lost revenue, improve fleet positioning, and enhance our service quality. Customer satisfaction has also increased.”
“We’ve received excellent feedback on the upgraded platforms, with clients stating it is easier to use, the ETAs are more accurate, and drivers are closer. This is due to our newfound ability to place drivers where they are most needed and anticipate demand,” Grotius explains.
“Our drivers enjoy greater efficiency in their daily tasks. They appreciate the improved ETAs, which enable them to complete more trips and earn more tips and incentives.”
He underscores, “Google Maps is a leader in the industry. Its continual addition of new capabilities and features keeps us in a strong position.”
“Since we have integrated the Mobility Suite, we can innovate and develop rapidly as Google continues to set new standards.”
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