The first live showcase during Awesomewasm 2023 Berlin conference.
Deep-dive into the underlying tech with lead developer Martin
Video Text transcription
Juno Communications Inside Scoop: Nride Update
Introduction Host: “Welcome back to Juno Communications Inside Scoop! We’re catching up with the Nride team about their latest updates since our Berlin test drive. Last time, we got hands-on experience with the app, testing it as both drivers and passengers.”
Recent Improvements Martin: “Since Berlin, we’ve been working on several small improvements to the app. The most significant change is in the payment system. Previously, the escrow was only used for cancellation fees, and payments were handled outside the app. Now, we’ve moved to in-app payments, making the process more seamless.”
New Features Martin: “Here are the key updates:
- Added profile setup for both riders and drivers
- Enhanced location tracking (direct phone-to-phone communication)
- Improved messaging system
- Real-time driver location updates
- Better request information display
Payment System Martin: “The payment system now uses escrow for the entire ride. When a driver accepts a request, they set a price in Nride tokens. The rider locks the payment in escrow, which is released upon completion. This system is compatible with any Juno token through the cross-market contract.”
User Experience Host: “I tested the app from the airport to my Airbnb. The experience was smooth, with real-time location updates and a chat system to clarify pickup locations. The peer-to-peer communication was particularly impressive.”
Future Plans Martin: “Our go-to-market strategy focuses on:
- Partnering with local taxi companies
- Targeting small taxi fleets
- Organizing localized tests at events
- Building a network of applications using Nride protocol
Upcoming Events Martin: “We’re heading to the Web3 Summit in Lisbon from November 13-16, with 70,000 attendees. We’ll be working with a local taxi company to offer free rides using the app.”
Closing Host: “Thanks for the update, Martin! We’ll be following your progress at the Lisbon event and sharing updates on social media. Keep up the great work!”
Interview with Pedro Pinto, who brought MyTaxi to Lissabon Taxi
Video Text transcription
Interview with Pedro Pinto on Ride-Hailing in Portugal
Introduction Nate: “Hi everyone, this is Nate with Enide. I’m here with Pedro Pinto, who has played a significant role in the taxi and ride-hailing industry in Europe. Pedro comes from a design background and has helped companies like MyTaxi and FreeNow. He’s currently working as a fleet manager with one of the biggest camper van companies worldwide. Pedro has been instrumental in creating private hire laws for ride-hailing in Portugal and is the founder of the first Mobility app Association in Portugal. How are you doing today?”
Pedro: “Hi Nate, thanks for having me. I’m doing well and excited to be here.”
Early Challenges in Portuguese Ride-Hailing Nate: “Could you share your experience with the ride-hailing industry in Portugal?”
Pedro: “This journey began in late 2016 when MyTaxi decided to expand to Portugal. I joined the project to launch and manage everything. It was a challenging adventure because, at that time, mobility apps were relatively unknown in Portugal, especially in the taxi sector. When we approached taxi companies and drivers, there was initial resistance as some confused our app with private hire competitors. However, taxis have a strong legacy in Portugal, and they are heavily regulated. The challenge was to educate drivers and show them that we were there to help improve the sector.”
Regulatory Challenges and Strikes Nate: “What were the biggest challenges you faced with drivers?”
Pedro: “In Portugal, taxi unions have significant power. When Uber and other private hire apps entered the market without proper regulation, it created unfair competition for taxi drivers. This led to strikes and protests, with taxis blocking city streets during rush hours. The turning point came in 2017-2018 when taxi drivers realized they needed to work with regulators and change their public image. I was part of the working group that drafted the private hire law, which was a fascinating experience working with politicians from various political backgrounds.”
Technology’s Impact on Taxi Drivers Nate: “How has technology improved the lives of taxi drivers?”
Pedro: “Technology has made a significant difference, especially with pre-bookings. Before, drivers had no idea how much they’d earn each day. With pre-bookings, they can plan their schedules better and have a better work-life balance. For example, they can know in advance that they’ll have several rides at specific times and can finish work earlier to spend time with family. This has been particularly beneficial for older drivers who were initially hesitant about using smartphones.”
Blockchain and Ride-Hailing Nate: “What are your thoughts on blockchain technology in ride-hailing?”
Pedro: “Blockchain is an interesting concept that could bring several benefits. One area where it could help is with driver safety by reducing the need for cash transactions. In the past, drivers had to carry large amounts of cash, which made them vulnerable to robberies. With digital payments, drivers can say, ‘I have no cash, everything is in the app.’ Additionally, blockchain could help drivers plan for their future by giving them more options for managing their earnings.”
Autonomy and Driver Associations Nate: “What’s your perspective on driver autonomy in Portugal?”
Pedro: “In Portugal, taxi drivers are limited by their operating areas and must pay fees to associations. This creates frustration among drivers who want more freedom to choose their work. I believe platforms like Enide could play a crucial role by offering drivers more choices and breaking away from the traditional model where only one party benefits. The current system is changing, with new regulations allowing drivers more flexibility in their operations.”
Current Market and Future Opportunities Nate: “What’s your view on the current ride-hailing market in Portugal?”
Pedro: “Currently, Uber and Bolt are the main players, with Bolt taking a broader approach. However, the business model still feels traditional, where only the platform benefits. I believe the bidding system proposed by Enide could be a game-changer, similar to how bidding works in other industries. With proper regulation and education, this could create a fairer system for both drivers and passengers.”
Closing Thoughts Nate: “What are you optimistic about in the future of ride-hailing?”
Pedro: “I’m optimistic about the focus on environmental sustainability and quality of life. Younger generations care deeply about these issues and will be the decision-makers of the future. The industry needs to find a balance between reducing car usage and providing quality service. However, current regulations in some cities have led to more cars on the streets instead of fewer. We need to fine-tune these regulations to achieve the original goal of reducing emissions.”
CryptoDaro’s project review, summarizes the key facts about nRide
Video Text transcription
CryptoDaro: “Welcome to my YouTube channel! Today, I’m excited to introduce Nride, a groundbreaking project I believe will be one of the best opportunities of the year. Nride is a decentralized ride-hailing protocol that’s revolutionizing mobility.”
Project Overview Host: “Nride is currently valued at $21,000 market cap, but I believe it has the potential to become a multi-billion dollar project. Here’s why:
- Decentralized vs. Centralized
- Traditional apps (Uber, Grab, Bolt) are centralized
- They charge high fees that increase costs for both drivers and passengers
- Nride is decentralized and charges only 0.5% fees
- Blockchain Integration
- Currently accepts USDC payments
- Future plans to accept Nride tokens
- Built on the Cosmos blockchain”
Current Status Host: “The exciting part is that the application is already live:
- Available for iOS (TestFlight) and Android
- Ready for real taxi rides
- No KYC required
- Already tested at Web3 Global Media in Dubai”
How It Works Host: “The system is unique:
- Drivers set their own prices
- Multiple drivers can bid on rides
- Passengers choose based on price and vehicle quality
- Example: Three drivers bid 15, 20, and 25 USDC for the same ride”
Future Potential Host: “Nride is in talks with taxi companies and has already been tested at events. The potential is huge because:
- It saves costs for taxi companies
- It’s a proven working solution
- It’s an early opportunity with a small market cap”
Technical Details Host: “Key technical aspects:
- Built on Cosmos/Osmosis
- 1 billion max supply
- No inflation (no staking rewards)
- 60% tokens allocated to Nride DAO
- 28% to Nride Foundation
- No pre-sale or VC funding
- 2% for initial liquidity pool”
Current Challenges Host: “The main challenge is marketing:
- Currently under 900 Twitter followers
- Limited marketing efforts
- But this will change as the project grows”
Long-term Potential Host: “This is a slow-growth project that will:
- Build partnerships
- Grow its community
- Expand its network of drivers and riders
- Potentially reach multi-million dollar market cap
- Serve as a crypto payment solution for taxi companies”
Call to Action Host: “Check out Nride:
Visit their website for more information”
Download the app (iOS/Android)
Make a small deposit
Join their Discord and Twitter