In a city where ride-hailing services are fast becoming part of daily life, I recently had the chance to test out Tap & Go — one of the latest entrants into Zimbabwe’s growing mobility space. I booked a ride from the CBD to Greendale, and what caught my attention immediately was their 100% discount promotion. Yes, the ride was completely free. For a city still grappling with high transport costs, this alone is a massive incentive for first-time users to give Tap & Go a shot.
One standout feature Tap & Go is pushing is onboard WiFi. The moment I got into the ride, I was pleasantly surprised to find that internet access was just a QR scan away. In an era where data costs continue to strain many pockets, free WiFi during a ride is not just a luxury — it’s a competitive advantage.
But as with most young startups, Tap & Go is still ironing out some key challenges. Booking a ride isn’t as smooth as it should be. The app occasionally flashes the frustrating “server under maintenance” error, and its GPS struggles to pick up accurate locations, especially in denser urban environments. This means that before you even get to enjoy the free ride and internet, you’ll likely spend a few minutes wrestling with the booking system.
Thankfully, once you’re in the car, the experience improves. The drivers are courteous and professional, offering simple but important reminders like fastening your seatbelt. That alone speaks to Tap & Go’s emphasis on safety.
Despite its teething problems, Tap & Go is offering something positive to the community. Many young Zimbabweans are now earning a living through the platform, which is a commendable contribution to local employment.
Will I use it again? Definitely. Zvekuti zvigananda itori imwe nyaya. Tap & Go is on the right track, but now the tech just needs to catch up with the vision.
