The interviews, articles and blogs to do with the internationalisation of eCabs Technologies on the eCabs website will fall under this tag.

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eCabs Technologies CEO addresses mobility tech leaders at Barcelona summit

eCabs Technologies CEO addresses mobility tech leaders at Barcelona summit

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eCabs Technologies CEO Matthew Bezzina joined Google Maps and other strategic partners in addressing mobility tech leaders at a summit in Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Leaders In Logistics Summit connects major stakeholders in mobility and logistics from across the globe.

Through unique insights, case studies, and innovation showcases, the event is where senior leaders from Amazon, DHL, Royal Mail, and other operators meet to shape the future of the industry.

eCabs Technologies CEO addresses mobility tech leaders at Barcelona summit 2

Bezzina shared the panel floor with Google Maps Head of Southern Europe Nicola Dalmazzo, Matteo Turani from OniGroup, and Gulliver’s Stefano Capoferri to discuss how integrating the Google Maps Platform is revolutionising the eCabs’ product.

Earlier this year, eCabs announced a pioneering strategic partnership with global tech giant Google.

The partnership, signed at the Google’s Italy offices in Milan, has seen eCabs integrate several of Google’s industry-leading tools into its ride-hailing tech stack, revolutionising its products and powering several new innovation projects.

The strategic collaboration has empowered all eCabs ride-hailing products to harness the Google Maps Mobility Platform, the global tech giant’s hyper-intelligent fleet and route management engine.

This integration means ride-hailing tech platforms developed by eCabs will now boast best-in-class geo-location tools and smart route management systems, for optimised user, driver, and city partners experience.

In practice, this means eCabs will be better placed to navigate traffic globally, create optimised routes, and shorten waiting and riding times.

eCabs is only the second ever B2B private hire passenger mobility tech provider globally to integrate Google’s mapping tech stack for ride-hailing purposes.

Speaking during the panel, Bezzina said eCabs is a company that was born in the smallest EU member state with the densest road network and the highest car ownership per capita – making it a unique sandbox for rolling out and testing ride-hailing technology.

The integration of Google Maps Platform is a major next step in eCabs’ journey.

“Partnering with Google, the undisputed world leader in global mapping and route management technology, is an endorsement, not only of eCabs’ mission to be an important player in the international ride-hailing market but of the high standards of our dedicated and capable team. It signals that we are competing at the highest level in a complex and challenging global industry,” Bezzina concluded.

To sell or not to sell - that is the question

To sell or not to sell – that is the question

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eCabs International Business Development Manager

Ruslan Golomovzy

How to sell 101. eCabs Technologies’ commitment to a solution-oriented sales approach has been one of the driving forces behind its success. 

eCabs Technologies: A product-oriented approach to success

The ride-hailing industry is a crowded space, filled with giants vying for your attention.

At eCabs, we understand that simply offering another product isn’t enough.

We are not just here to sell you software. We’re here to work with you, and provide you with our market-leading solution born from our cutting-edge ‘mobility laboratory‘.

But what truly sets us apart?

We don’t just sell, we partner. Instead of bombarding you with generic sales pitches, we take a solution-oriented approach.

This means we dive deep into your specific needs and challenges.

We become an extension of your team, understanding your business from the inside out.

Embracing a solution-oriented mindset

Our cutting-edge mobility laboratory isn’t just a fancy term. It’s a hub of innovation where we continuously refine and perfect our platform to stay ahead of the curve.

This ensures that when you partner with eCabs, you’re not just getting a solution. You’re getting a platform built for the future, playbooks on how to operate your business, alongside our 14 years of operational experience.

We’re perfectly attuned to the dynamic needs of the ride-hailing market.

But here’s the best part: we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We have designed our platform to be customisable, allowing us to seamlessly adapt it to your unique business goals and challenges.

Your success is our success. And we’re committed to providing you with the tools and support you need to thrive in the ever-evolving ride-hailing landscape.

Beyond structured meetings: building genuine connections 

We understand that building genuine relationships goes beyond formal sales meetings. 

We actively seek out opportunities to engage with potential clients in informal settings, fostering a sense of connection and trust. 

While we are based in Malta, which has become a proven testbed for mobility products, our city partners are based in mainland Europe.

For us this means that we’re constantly educating, advocating and championing mobility through digital channels.

Nurturing genuine relationships, through channels such as LinkedIn, is critical in ensuring that we can continuously share our findings and learnings in the mobility industry and guide potential city partners to the right solution.

Delving into the client’s world 

eCabs goes beyond superficial understanding; we strive to gain a deep appreciation of our partners’ businesses. 

Proper exploration, and applying the appropriate framework is imperative, to ensure that we can accurately map out your requirements and align them to our solutions.

Additionally, studying our partners’ operations, understanding their unique context, and being able empathise with the challenges they face. 

By becoming intimately acquainted with our City Partners’ business through on-site visits, we can tailor solutions that are truly aligned with their goals and objectives. 

The power of knowledge transfer 

We recognise the value of education and knowledge sharing in building trust and establishing credibility. 

We actively educate potential clients about the ride-hailing industry, highlighting industry trends, best practices, and the latest technology advancements.

When we launch in a city, we share a refined launch ‘Playbook’ with our City Partners, to ensure a successful launch from the get-go.

Our knowledge transfer goes beyond the ride-hailing platform and the operations.

The eCabs Technologies Expansion Team will guide you weekly on the industry fundamentals, and emerging trends, and take on product feedback. In the background, we continue iterating on our products to ensure that our partners can stay ahead of the curve in any city that they choose to operate in.

This comes from our over 14 years of experience, from operations through to software development.

By equipping you with the knowledge and insights to make industry-informed business decisions, we go beyond offering software.

eCabs Technologies, as your partner in innovation, leverages our cutting-edge ‘mobility laboratory’ to tailor solutions that empower your success.

We believe in your journey to success, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

The proof of our expertise 

eCabs’ success is not just talk. It is backed by our partners and case studies. These demonstrate the tangible impact of our software platform on client businesses. 

From enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction to driving profitability and expanding market reach, the features within eCabs’ ride-hailing solution have proven their value across a diverse range of industries and clients – enabling a ride-hailing operator to take on more than just dial-a-cab bookings.

In addition to our commitment to your success with eCabs, our ride-hailing solution is a scalable and adaptable platform without upfront software costs.

Case study: eCabs and Malta’s taxi industry 

In Malta, eCabs has played a pivotal role in transforming the taxi industry since 2010. 

By understanding the specific needs of local taxi drivers and operators, and taking on national stakeholder feedback, it developed a software platform that streamlined operations, enhanced customer satisfaction, and boosted profitability across the board. 

This success has earned eCabs Technologies a reputation as a trusted partner in Malta’s ride-hailing landscape. 

Our solution-oriented approach has proven to be a winning formula. Enabling our City Partners to build strong partnerships within their local communities and the European Union.

By prioritising understanding, knowledge transfer, and genuine connection, eCabs has established itself as a trusted advisor and a true solutions provider for the ride-hailing industry. 

Together, let’s not only shape the future of ride-hailing but also a sustainable future. eCabs is here to walk the talk and partner with you on your journey forward. 

You can get in touch with Ruslan here.

Ruslan Golomovzy To sell or not to sell - that is the question
Ruslan is an experienced professional in the MaaS industry, bringing seven years of operational experience and a track record of launching new products into the market. He has a talent for identifying opportunities for growth, building and nurturing relationships with clients and partners, and negotiating contracts. He has considerable expertise in market research, analysis, and forecasting, as well as experience in managing complex projects. Ruslan is passionate about driving innovation in the MaaS industry. He does not own a car and refuses to drive, to ensure he inherently has a different perception on mobility. During his free time, his various interests include playing Dungeons and Dragons, going to the gym, rock climbing, cooking, and gardening.
Driving digital transformation with Google Cloud

Driving digital transformation with Google Cloud

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eCabs worked with Google Cloud and TIM Enterprise to achieve its vision, positioning the platform as an always-on option, contributing positively not only to eCabs but also to its customers and end-users.

The emergence of smartphone apps has reshaped the ride-hailing industry, presenting both challenges and opportunities for established players.

eCabs has successfully navigated this digital transformation, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge technology.

The tech mobility company has created its own robust customisable platform, which is designed not only designed not only for its own operation, but also paves the way for the digital evolution of legacy cab companies across Europe, and is tailored to meet the diverse needs of operators worldwide.

As the company continued its digital transformation journey, migrating to Google Cloud was a natural progression, enabling flexibility, scalability, and enhanced reliability.

A strategic partnership

In the intricate process of migration, eCabs found a valuable ally in TIM Enterprise, a Google Cloud partner.

The partnership facilitated a seamless transition from bare metal to GKE architecture, unlocking additional solutions such as BigQuery.

With TIM Enterprise’s guidance, eCabs maximises BigQuery for comprehensive data analytics. This offers valuable insights to customers for planning and performance reviews.

Leveraging Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), eCabs powers its microservices architecture, providing unique environments for international tenants. This move allows quick replication of environments, enabling eCabs to rapidly onboard new customers and showcase the value of its platform.

Google Cloud and TIM Enterprise play a pivotal role in enabling eCabs to seize current market opportunities and prepare for the future.

As eCabs continues its international expansion, by utilising Google Cloud tools, eCabs empowers legacy cab companies and new entrants, allowing them to compete with digital ride-hailing giants.

Explore eCabs’ success story on the Google Cloud blog.

eCabs and Google enter strategic partnership

eCabs and Google enter strategic partnership

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Photo caption: Francesco Fraccalvieri (TIM), Matthew Bezzina (eCabs Technologies), Nicolo Pisani (Google Italy), Ginevra Garelli (Google Italy) and Luca Di Michele (eCabs Technologies)

eCabs riders, drivers, and platform city partners set to benefit from world-leading route management, AI, and machine learning tech.

Precise ETAs, better route management, and new hyper-intelligent user tools and functions

eCabs has entered into a pioneering strategic partnership with global tech giant Google.

The partnership, signed at the Google offices in Milan earlier this month, will see eCabs integrate several of Google’s industry-leading tools into its ride-hailing tech stack, revolutionising its products and powering several new innovation projects.

The strategic collaboration will empower all eCabs ride-hailing products to harness the Google Maps Mobility Platform, the global tech giant’s hyper-intelligent fleet and route management engine.

This integration means ride-hailing tech platforms developed by eCabs will now boast best-in-class geo-location tools and smart route management systems, for optimised user, driver, and city partners experience.

In practice, this means eCabs will be better placed to navigate traffic globally, create optimised routes, and shorten waiting and riding times.

eCabs is only the second ever B2B private hire passenger mobility tech provider globally to integrate Google’s mapping tech stack for ride-hailing purposes.

Furthermore, eCabs has also agreed to migrate to the Google Cloud hosting service, providing the best security and reliability of service in the industry.

The successful migration to Google Cloud also radically improves scalability for all of its products, enabling enhanced testing and piloting.

The strategic partnership comes weeks after eCabs successfully began internationalising its mobility product.

Earlier this year new ride-hailing platforms powered by eCabs were successfully launched in Athens, Greece, and Bucharest, Romania, with several other jurisdictions in the pipeline.

eCabs Technologies CEO Matthew Bezzina said the strategic partnership with Google marks a pivotal moment for the company.

It means precision ETAs, optimised routes, and a suite of new user tools that will take eCabs to the next level of user experience.

“This is a very proud day for all of us at eCabs and we are thrilled to be bringing this innovation to our users, riders and drivers, as well as our city partners who have entrusted eCabs with powering their own ride-hailing ventures across Europe and beyond,” he said.

“Partnering with Google, the undisputed world leader in global mapping and route management technology, is an endorsement, not only of eCabs’ mission to be an important player in the international ride-hailing market but of the high standards of our dedicated and capable team. It signals that we are competing at the highest level in a complex and challenging global industry,” Bezzina said.

“eCabs was born to make transport efficient, accessible and affordable for all. We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with Google to provide tangible user benefits through best-of-breed technology,” he added.

An extremely powerful tool

eCabs Chief Technology Officer Luca Di Michele said the first phase of integrating Google’s mapping technology into the eCabs system is already underway.

“This is a quantum leap for us. It will allow eCabs to continue to expand and grow, providing better ride-hailing technology, not just for our home market in Malta, but for new jurisdictions where our city partners are launching their brands,” he said. 

Users of the eCabs platform should expect to start seeing changes to the App in 2024.

Key highlights of the Google Maps Mobility Platform Partnership:

  • World-leading technology: Through the alliance with Google, eCabs is set to unveil a suite of world-leading technologies that will drastically improve the ride-hailing experience. Leveraging Google’s cutting-edge solutions, eCabs aims to provide users with state-of-the-art features and improved level of service.
  • Better ETAs: The integration will give eCabs access to new smart routing algorithms for improved traffic management.  New prediction tools, as well as historic and real-time data, will allow for platform optimization, meaning more precision in pick-up and estimated arrival times.
  • Optimised driver dispatching: Google Maps’ rich data combined with eCabs’ operational expertise will ensure the right driver is dispatched to riders depending on multiple real-time factors, cutting down on and being more precise with waiting times while maximising partner fleets’ time and earnings.  
  • Fewer deficiencies: eCabs city partners will benefit from a tech stack on par with the world’s leading ride-hailing players, allowing them to launch the best user experience possible.
  • Strategic innovation: The partnership signifies a commitment to strategic innovation, with eCabs harnessing Google’s expertise to enhance operational efficiency, elevate user experience, and introduce industry-leading features that will be available for all city partners across all eCabs products. It will also power pilot projects across AI and machine learning.

In the press:

Times of Malta | Lovin Malta | The Malta Independent | Malta Today

Behind the code innovative minds, seamless rides

Behind the code: innovative minds, seamless rides

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Explore the story, challenges, and solutions ‘behind the code’ with eCabs Technologies’ Backend Team Lead.

What are the main responsibilities of a backend developer in your team?

Working in backend development at eCabs, I focus on designing, developing, and maintaining our server-side logic and databases. I write clean, efficient, and reusable code to ensure seamless platform operation.

My day-to-day involves collaboration, code reviews, mentoring, and optimising for performance, scalability, and security. I also troubleshoot and stay updated with industry trends to implement cutting-edge solutions.

How does your team’s work contribute to fulfilling eCabs’ mission and improving transportation services?

My team’s work is pivotal in fulfilling eCabs’ mission. We focus on backend infrastructure, ensuring it’s robust and aligned with company goals.

By delivering high-quality, scalable solutions, we provide a seamless user experience, revolutionising transportation services. Our emphasis on code quality and performance optimisation positions us for long-term success and growth.

Can you share a specific project that you are proud of, and what challenges you faced during its implementation?

One project that I’m particularly proud of is our multi-tenancy transition. Initially, our operations were exclusive to Malta, but this project marked a significant leap in our expansion strategy.

It allowed us to extend our technology into both Greece and Romania, opening up numerous exciting possibilities for the future.

However, this transition came with its fair share of challenges. Adapting our platform for multi-tenancy required a meticulous approach.

We needed to ensure that each city partner could seamlessly and securely access their data and services while maintaining optimal performance and reliability across all regions.

What strategies and actions did you take to tackle these challenges?

To tackle these challenges, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of our existing infrastructure.

This informed our strategy for implementing multi-tenancy, which involved an almost complete redesign of our backend architecture, optimisation of database schemas, and the establishment of robust access control mechanisms.

Additionally, we put in place rigorous testing protocols to validate the scalability and security of the system.

The successful execution of this transition not only expanded our operational reach but also positioned us for further growth and expansion into new markets.

It stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team in overcoming complex challenges and achieving strategic objectives.

Can you describe the technologies and tools you use in your tech stack for backend development?

As a backend developer, the arsenal of technologies at my disposal is diverse and tailored to meet the specific needs of our platform. Our tech stack is finely tuned to ensure the efficiency, scalability, and robustness of our services.

For legacy services, Java 8 remains an essential component of our toolset, allowing us to maintain stability and support for existing systems. For newer services, we adopted Java 17, leveraging its cutting-edge features to build innovative solutions that align with industry best practices.

How do you ensure scalability in your tech mobility platform, and what role do cloud-native architecture and microservices play in this?

Frameworks play a pivotal role in our development process. Spring Boot is a cornerstone, enabling rapid application development and seamless integration with various components.

Additionally, we’ve embraced Quarkus, harnessing its lightweight and reactive architecture to further enhance the performance of our applications.

In terms of databases, we rely on Postgres for its reliability and robust feature set. For more specialised data requirements, we have integrated MongoDB, offering flexibility and scalability for specific use cases.

As for message queuing and communication, we utilise RabbitMQ to facilitate asynchronous communication between different parts of our system. We also leverage pubsub mechanisms to ensure real-time updates and notifications.

Containerisation and orchestration are fundamental to our deployment strategy. Kubernetes forms the backbone of our container orchestration, providing a scalable and resilient environment for our services.

This, in conjunction with our cloud infrastructure, is hosted on Google Cloud Platform (GCP), ensuring a secure and performant environment for our applications.

In essence, our tech stack is a carefully curated blend of proven technologies and innovative solutions. It allows us to deliver a high-performance platform while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to evolving industry standards and user demands.

How do cloud-native architecture and microservices contribute to this scalability?

Scalability is central to our tech mobility platform. We adopt cloud-native architecture and microservices, allowing us to independently scale components based on demand.

Auto-scaling and horizontal scaling ensure seamless handling of increased user activity. Rigorous testing and load balancing fine-tune performance. Our team continuously explores emerging tech to enhance scalability.

Our development process thrives on effective collaboration. Working closely with product managers, designers, frontend developers and mobile developers, I ensure a clear understanding of project goals. Continuous communication, including stand-up meetings and design reviews, keeps us aligned.

With frontend and mobile developers, we establish seamless integration and troubleshoot together. Knowledge-sharing and cross-training further enhance our collective expertise, leading to high-quality solutions.

Continuous learning is fundamental in software development. Staying updated with emerging technologies is imperative.

In the dynamic field of software development, complacency is not an option. Keeping pace with emerging technologies is crucial.

Recent breakthroughs such as serverless architectures and widespread Kubernetes adoption have reshaped how we develop and deploy. This adaptability ensures our solutions remain cutting-edge.

Our development process thrives on effective collaboration. Working closely with product managers, designers, frontend developers and mobile developers, I ensure a clear understanding of project goals.

eCabs Technologies Backend Team Lead Burak Aykan Ürer

Embracing microservices empowers rapid response to changing demands. A steadfast focus on observability and stringent security safeguards system reliability and data integrity.

The commitment to continuous learning not only enhances our capabilities but also leads to innovative and effective software solutions.

In the fast-paced, competitive market of ride-hailing, sustaining innovation and agility is pivotal. We actively seek customer feedback and foster a culture of experimentation.

Agile methodologies empower us to swiftly adapt to changing needs. Additionally, we keep a vigilant eye on industry trends and invest in ongoing learning.

This comprehensive approach ensures we stay at the forefront of development, remaining both competitive and responsive to our customer base.

What advice would you offer to aspiring backend developers entering the tech mobility industry

I would advise aspiring backend developers looking to enter the tech mobility industry to focus on a few key areas.

Firstly, mastering core backend technologies is crucial. This forms the foundation of your technical prowess.

Additionally, familiarise yourself with cloud platforms like AWS or Google Cloud, as they’re integral for creating scalable and reliable infrastructure.

Understanding microservices architecture is equally important, as it allows for flexibility and scalability in complex systems.

APIs are a cornerstone in mobility services, so becoming proficient in designing and working with them is essential.

Given the sensitive nature of user data, prioritising knowledge of data security, encryption, and privacy regulations is paramount.

Lastly, remember that continuous learning is non-negotiable. The tech industry is ever evolving, so staying curious and open to adopting new tools and frameworks is imperative.

This combination of technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, and a passion for learning will undoubtedly pave the way for success in the tech mobility industry.

Burak Aykan Ürer
Aykan was born and raised in Tekirdag, Turkey, and it was there that he embarked on his journey in software development after he completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering. After gaining a few years of valuable experience, he made the decision to Malta. Currently, he serves as a dedicated backend developer and team lead at eCabs. Outside of work, he dabbles in music, trying his hand at instruments like the harmonica, kalimba, and ukulele. Traveling, especially getting lost in unfamiliar cities, is a favorite pastime of his.
Blue officially launches in Romania, powered by eCabs Technologies platform

Blue officially launches in Romania, powered by eCabs Technologies platform

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Caption: eCabs Technologies CEO Matthew Bezzina (second from right) and Stephanie Portanier Mifsud, eCabs Technologies Cities Product Manager (far left) with the Blue leadership in Bucharest, Romania.

Autonom Drive, the largest mobility operator in the Romanian market has selected the eCabs Technologies platform to launch Blue, a new ride hailing service in Bucharest, Romania.

Powered by the eCabs ride-hailing technology platform, Blue is set to be an important player in shaping the ride hailing landscape in Romania, providing a seamless online ride-hailing solution for riders as well as safe and flexible work for drivers.

Blue is launching its service with a fleet of the latest Tesla Models 3 and Y and is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Blue officially launches in Romania, powered by eCabs Technologies platform

This is the third territory in which the eCabs ride-hailing platform has been deployed, serving as the backbone for local transport businesses to launch their app-based ride hailing service under their own brand.

The use of eCabs technology in Bucharest, follows the launch of Taxi.gr app in Athens, Greece earlier this month.

With a fleet of over 12,000 vehicles and a workforce exceeding 600, Autonom Drive is a leading corporate in the mobility industry, operating in over 33 cities in Romania and Hungary.

An important player in shaping the ride-hailing landscape

Speaking during the official launch event in Bucharest on Wednesday September 27, eCabs Technologies Founder and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Bezzina said the successful roll-out of the service in Romania with a reputable player such as Autonom, is a strong confirmation of the global grade of eCabs’ technology stack and the capabilities of its people.

The Blue mobility service is set to be an important player in shaping the ride-hailing landscape in Romania, with a more efficient, quality-driven service, and like eCabs’ Malta, operating a unique 24/7 customer care and operations centre.

“We are thrilled to be working with Autonom and its team of professionals on this exciting project in the beautiful capital of Bucharest. The growth potential for Blue is evident, also very much fuelled by Autonom’s serious approach to business. I have no doubt that the strength of our technology platform combined with their focus and corporate stature will deliver exceptional results,” Bezzina said.

“This second launch in a few weeks, comes as we are engaged in discussions with corporate partners in key cities in Europe and beyond, to assist them in venturing into ride hailing business through our unique model, offering 13 years of packaged operational knowledge together with our bespoke multi-channel technology,” he added.

Bezzina added that the vision of taking eCabs Technologies to new heights would not have been possible without the support of the Malta Development Bank.

“The MDB has believed in and supported our internationalisation project from the very start, understanding our relentless drive to take our locally built technology overseas. Each city we launch in is a testament to their trust and support to help finance this growth which has helped make our vision a reality,” Bezzina said.

A safer and reliable service

Blue Managing Partner Andrei Stancu said the transport market in Romania is ripe for change and Blue is poised to deliver a safe, reliable, and affordable solution.

“The ride-hailing market in Romania is typically characterised by low standards of service and old vehicles, fuelled by cheap prices. At Blue, we made the conscious decision to fill and own a gap in the market, offering a safer and reliable round the clock service, using world class tech powering modern, high quality owned and partner fleets” Stancu said.

“After a thorough vendor analysis exercise, we chose to power our brand with the eCabs Technologies platform, and we’ve had an excellent understanding with the eCabs Team from the get-go. We are very optimistic about the future of Blue and the excellent business relationship we have with eCabs Technologies” he added. 

The Romanian Market

Romania’s transportation market presents an exciting opportunity. With a population of over 20 million, and more than 11 million annual tourist arrivals. Whilst Blue has started its journey in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, the plan is for national growth.

And, with a significant portion of Romanian rides still waved down from the curb or booked over the phone, there is major potential for transformation and growth in the ride hailing market. 

Tailor-made tech

Built in one of the world’s densest road networks and most competitive ride-hailing environments, eCabs Technologies provides a unique model in the international white label ride-hailing business – one which combines 13 years of 24/7 intimate operational expertise and a powerful, multi-channel technology platform.

This allows businesses all over the world to use the platform together with eCabs invaluable industry expertise and experience, to successfully launch their brands in any jurisdiction.

In the press:

Times of Malta | Malta Today | Lovin Malta | Who’s Who

eCabs could be powering your next ride in Athens

eCabs Technologies on exporting ride-hailing tech

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eCabs Technologies is exporting its technology and industry know-how beyond Malta’s shores, teaming up with overseas partners to launch new ride-hailing platforms. Its first international partnership comes in the form of Taxi.gr, which will debut in Athens, Greece this September, with other jurisdictions also in the pipeline.

The Athens launch in partnership with Greek company Intelligent Mobility App SA, signifies eCabs’ leap onto the global stage, backed by considerable research and development efforts, and a strategic drive for innovation and growth beyond Malta.

In an exclusive interview with MaltaToday, eCabs founder and CEO Matthew Bezzina sat down with MaltaToday to talk about the technological changes in the transport industry and what it took to take the eCabs product and export it abroad. He tells Nicole Meilak how the ride-hailing company transformed its business and is now going international.

Empowering global aspirants

eCabs describes its new product as a white-label solution for business interests looking to enter the digital ride-hailing space.

Bezzina says they have created ride-hailing tech that can be tailored to the specific needs of a foreign country and city.

The app they built for Greece for instance, looks and feels like the eCabs app, but incorporates specific features that are unique to the Greek transport reality.

This includes a unique pricing system that is based on the metering model used in traditional taxi cabs across Greece.

Similarly, when platforms launch in other jurisdictions, they will have their own unique features to reflect the rules and realities of that specific country.    

But eCabs aren’t only bringing tech to the table. Bezzina says they also bring market expertise and operational know-how.

He said they are forming “comprehensive partnerships” with foreign operators, providing operational support, marketing assets, and industry acumen.

Their first partners are major taxi operators in the Greek capital.

Having been through the difficult transition from a traditional cab company to a digital ride-hailing platform, Bezzina says they know how to help other businesses make the same transition.

And they do it all from their headquarters in Malta.

“Within a 100m radius from our office, you have a ride-hailing laboratory, a research and development site right here in St Julians,” Bezzina said.

A digital evolution

Looking back on the eCabs journey over the years, Bezzina says the company was disruptive to the Maltese transport landscape. “eCabs made it easier for people to get involved in the industry”.

For instance, he said the company opened the doors for women to become drivers – something seldom seen prior to 2010.

Starting out as a three-person startup in 2010, eCabs has undergone a remarkable transformation of its own.

Back in its earliest days, Bezzina and his first employees took down reservations for rides using pen and paper.

Today eCabs employs over 400 professionals, developing cutting edge tech, and is asserting its presence in the global ride-hailing market – a bold step for a Maltese, homegrown outfit.

“From 2016 and 2017 onwards, we went into a journey of digital transformation. Ultimately you need to level up in terms of the tech offering in order to be able to compete, not only on a local level but eventually on a global level.”

What was once a fleet ownership model has morphed into a dynamic marketplace connecting drivers and riders.

Technology has played an important role in this, but Bezzina thinks that data will have an even bigger influence on the market in the years to come.

“The more time passes, the more our company will have to become a data company. The user experience will be influenced, both from a driver and consumer standpoint, based on the right optimisation and usage of data.”

Triumph amidst adversity

COVID-19 took a major toll on cab companies – eCabs was no exception. The company experienced a 90% decline in year-on-year ride volumes as Malta ground to a halt.

But Bezzina says COVID-19 was the opportunity for eCabs to accelerate its transformation into a technology company.

“Throughout COVID the technology team became a technology company that today employs over 60 people. This is a growing number, and this all happened between 2020 and 2023.”

Bezzina says this is a story of resilience on several levels.

“It’s a story of resilience, of vision, of the team. It’s easy to do this stuff when you’ve just received a billion in funding. But we’re frugal, we optimised, and we’re self-funded. We survived – and even thrived – against all odds.”

The company’s move to internal technology development, Bezzina highlighted, was a pivotal move that enabled eCabs’ survival.

“Between 2010 and 2016 we used to depend on third-party technology… From 2016 onwards we took a conscious decision and said listen, we have to start building the technology internally because we have the product and operational know-how.”

And that leap has paid off with the company now eyeing overseas markets to export its technology.

The next time you are on holiday in Athens, you could very well be using Maltese technology to hail your cab ride to the Acropolis.

In the press:

Malta Today

Taking eCabs International

We’re taking eCabs international

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eCabs Technologies CEO

Matthew Bezzina

We recently announced the first phase of our internationalisation process.

After years of perfecting our product at home, we’re leaving the sandbox and taking the eCabs Technologies ride hailing platform to a number of major cities in Europe and beyond. 

So, this is the story of how we’re teaming up with exciting new partners, and why.

A desire to change

Fourteen years ago, eCabs was born out of a single-minded obsession: there had to be a better way of getting from A to B. 

We knew the traditional taxi model needed to change.

I should know, back in 2010 when we first launched our 24/7 manned operation I was driving cabs myself. 

Having my hands on the wheel was essential for me – not just to keep a finger on the pulse of what was happening, but because I’ve always believed that if you’re going to change something you first have to know how it works. 

We knew that the days of waving down a cab from the curb were through.

And we were right.

Things were changing. Fast. 

The rise of smartphones and app stores coupled with a desire for more flexible work all conspired to accelerate the transport tech revolution.

So, we got to work and started creating our own in-house platform; driven, above all, to raise the bar of consumer convenience and driver optimisation.  

Building that tech was a painstaking process.

We were cutting against the grain – challenging long-standing industry orthodoxies.

But we followed through because we believed then, as we still do now, that the future of sustainable transport really is digital. 

Over the years, eCabs transitioned from a market leading round the clock dial-a-cab operation to a digital platform-based taxi and booking dispatch platform with multiple revenue streams built with purpose

To me that’s what has always set us apart from other ride-hailing and taxi platforms.

We are a tech company that also has years of real-world, hands-on industry expertise. Our Product Development team is built from that invaluable experience.

Today, our tech provides seamless mobility solutions for users as well as rewarding and flexible work for partner drivers.

Learning our lessons

The transition wasn’t easy.

Believe me.

Over a decade and a half, we’ve learned a lot about how the ride hailing sector works – and how it doesn’t. 

From navigating the day-to-day complexities of a nationwide transport operation on one of the world’s densest road networks to managing delicate stakeholder engagement and educating a complex and nuanced market – we’ve been there.

We’ve sifted through terabytes to find those golden needles buried in the endless data haystacks.

We’ve harnessed the power of machine learning and employed world class engineering talent to help us do it.  

We’ve sat down with reluctant drivers who were apprehensive of change.  

And with policymakers and regulators tasked with overseeing a rapidly changing sector that they may not have fully grasped. 

And we’ve done it all while successfully locking horns with cut-throat industry giants. 

So surely, we can use all this experience – this incredible journey that eCabs has been on – to help others make the same transition and embrace tech?

Yes, we can.

And we are.

Passing on what we’ve learnt

We’re applying what we’ve learned over these past 14 years to build new meaningful partnerships with operators across Europe and beyond. 

By teaming up with strategic players in markets where millions of rides are up for grabs every day, we’re taking eCabs’ tech out of the sandbox and into the rest of the world. 

What we have created is something really special: a turnkey white-label solution that provides tailored, city-specific mobility tech, coupled with our operational guidance and expert support and years of marketing and branding experience. 

We’re giving businesses the opportunity to launch their own brand and take that brave leap into the future of ride-hailing.  

At the same time, we wanted to ensure users in these new jurisdictions can count on the same standard of service we pride ourselves on providing back home in Malta. 

So, we aren’t just sharing a product, we’re sharing the risk. 

We are invested in our partners’ success and are committed to having skin in the game in these new jurisdictions.

These partnerships are going to change the face of mobility for millions of users.

Our mission has always been to make transport accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone.

Now we’re taking the next step in that journey. 

Matthew is obsessed with the way people move from place to place. In 2010, frustrated by a tired and unreliable transport sector, he set up eCabs – motivated by a crisp vision on the future of mobility. From a three-man transport start-up, Matthew, together with his brother Andrew, drove eCabs to a group that employs 500 people, including a tech company that learns from and powers its local operation, and helps mobility companies in jurisdictions across Europe and beyond in their technology transformation. When he’s not thinking about tech, data and leadership, he’s normally reading about a wide variety of subjects or lighting the kindling for a flaming philosophical debate. Catch him running before sunrise and working past sunset.
eCabs Technologies ride-hailing platform lands in Greece

eCabs Technologies ride-hailing platform lands in Greece

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taxi.gr officially launches in September

eCabs Technologies is set to deploy its ride-hailing platform in Athens, Greece, as it begins taking its industry expertise and operational know-how to new jurisdictions. 

The taxi.gr ride-hailing app, developed at the eCabs headquarters in St Julian’s, Malta, and operated by Intelligent Mobility App S.A. based in Athens, Greece, provides a seamless online ride-hailing solution for riders as well as safe and flexible work for drivers, empowering individuals to move and work on their own terms.

It is the first territory where eCabs Technologies’ ride-hailing platform is being launched with other international jurisdictions also in the pipeline.

eCabs Technologies Founder and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Bezzina said the upcoming launch in Athens in September is the fruition of years of research and development and months of collaboration with its partners in Greece. 

The taxi.gr platform is set to be an important player in shaping the digital transformation of the ride-hailing landscape in Greece.

“We are really proud of what we have created and what the company has accomplished. Growing eCabs from a small three-man start-up in 2010 to a group of companies employing over 400 people and a technology company with industry-leading talent. Now we are excited for eCabs to be flying the Maltese flag in the international ride-hailing industry beyond Malta’s shores,” he said. 

On his part, Manos Koronakos, CEO of Intelligent Mobility App S.A. said, “This is a great opportunity and a perfect time for us to be launching our Taxi.gr ride-hailing platform, in a market that is ripe for digital growth. We are very excited to be working with eCabs Technologies with whom we have forged a great understanding and relationship”. 

Manos Koronakos, CEO of Intelligent Mobility App S.A. with Matthew Bezzina, CEO of eCabs Technologies.

Digitising an offline market

Athens’ transportation market presents an exciting opportunity. 

With a population of well over three million people, and more than six million annual tourist arrivals, the Greek capital has significant potential for growth. 

And, with a significant portion of Greek rides still waved down from the curb or booked over the phone, the ride-hailing options for users remain largely offline. 

Recognising the digital transformation sweeping through the industry globally, eCabs Technologies sought to create a dynamic online solution that caters to the needs of both riders and drivers alike.

“At eCabs Technologies we believe that by digitising the transport sector, we can unlock its potential.  This is what we have been driving towards everyday. Taking our tech to new, exciting jurisdictions like Athens is a big step towards achieving this goal,” Bezzina said. 

Tailor-made tech

The eCabs engineering team in Malta developed a turnkey, white-label tech solution.

This allows businesses all over the world to use the platform together with eCabs industry expertise and experience, to successfully launch their brands in any jurisdiction. 

The tech solution is also developed with bespoke country and city-specific features. 

The taxi.gr platform being launched in Greece for instance, features a new in-app pricing model based on the metering requirements set by Helenic transport regulators. 

eCabs Technologies ride-hailing platform lands in Greece

Bezzina said that all new tailor-made technology components that are developed in Malta for specific countries will further enrich the eCabs Technologies platform.

These features are designed to provide optimal support for international partners through efficient deployment of country-specific features that respect different jurisdictions’ needs and regulations.

Invaluable support

Bezzina said that the objective of taking eCabs Technologies to new heights would not have been possible without the support of the Malta Development Bank:

“The MDB has supported this project from the start, believing in our relentless mission to internationalise and take our locally built technology overseas. We are thankful for their trust and their support to help finance this growth which has helped make our vision a reality.”

To launch taxi.gr in Athens, eCabs Technologies has partnered with a major player in the Greek transportation industry and Bezzina said the eCabs team is excited to be working with them. 

Looking ahead, eCabs Technologies and its Greek partners have ambitious plans to extend the taxi.gr platform across mainland Greece and its islands, providing a convenient and reliable transportation solution to an even broader national audience.

As the partnership evolves, the focus will remain on enhancing the rider experience, providing economic opportunities for drivers, and contributing to the ongoing digital transformation of the transport sector.

eCabs Technologies meanwhile is also engaged in other internationalisation partnership projects and will be releasing further announcements in the coming months. 

“This is an exciting time for us – eCabs is moving from local to international, empowering ride hailing technology beyond its home shores, one partnership at a time,” Bezzina said.

In the Press:

Times of Malta | Lovin Malta | Who’s Who | TVM News | MaltaCEOs | Greek City Times

 

A journey of personal growth and success

A journey of personal growth and success

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eCabs Technologies Product Owner

Stephanie Portanier Mifsud

Personal growth is very important to me. And I count myself fortunate that the field I work in is conducive to pushing boundaries and fueling creativity.

My fascination with people and their dynamics drives me to work towards finding solutions that can enhance the quality of experiences for both customers and businesses. This gives me a sense of purpose in my professional endeavours.

Outside of work, my most important role is being a mother to two young and lively boys. They keep me happily occupied in my free time, and I cherish every moment spent with them.

I have also actively pursued further education through various courses and engaged in diverse projects. These experiences have enriched my skillset and allowed me to contribute effectively to different challenges.

As far as my career trajectory goes, I had worked as a Business Analyst since 2016, three of those years in a Scrum environment at eCabs. The company then offered me the possibility to move on to a Product Owner role smoothly and naturally.

Nowadays, I am responsible for defining the vision for the product with our key stakeholders.

One thing that I like – and feel is essential in my role – is to understand and anticipate our users’ needs. So, I can evaluate and prioritise product features and goals.

I truly believe my commitment to understanding customer needs and feedback here at eCabs has allowed me to contribute to my professional and personal growth.

Learning as I go

Scrum allows the team to work in small iterations. This helps the product to be built in an incremental approach, as we adapt to changes to return maximum value. This enables us to handle multiple projects concurrently.

One of my main tasks is evaluating the product progress at each iteration, as well as planning for the next one, based on the priority assigned.

So as a Product Owner I do not need to know all requirements in advance. Instead, I must take decisions to prioritise any backlog.

My fascination with people and their dynamics drives me to work towards finding solutions that can enhance the quality of experiences for both customers and businesses.

eCabs Technologies Product Owner Stephanie Portanier Mifsud

Our teams are very lucky to have a leadership team that is very approachable, supportive, and willing to support us through their invaluable and rare industry experience. They provide us with the individual space for all team members to be able to learn and excel in our roles.

I learn as I go along through continuous collaboration with my team. In this way, I can make the decisions and priorities to continue developing the right product for the business and stakeholders.

Pride and satisfaction

As a technology company that benefits from the wealth of knowledge that has been garnered over 13 years of operational experience, we are eager to bring our expertise and powerful technology platform to investors and operators alike as we venture into new territories.

Our decision to explore new markets was driven by the rising demand for our services. As well as a strong belief in the huge potential of our software offering.

My team and I have had the benefit of being able to rapidly push and test new product features onto the hyper-competitive local market, and then take those learnings and wins to our foreign partners.

We are proud and eager to bring our expertise and innovative solutions to a wider audience and make a positive impact on their lives and businesses.

I feel my journey and commitment to understanding customer needs and feedback has allowed me to contribute substantially to eCabs’ products. I cannot wait to see operations in the new markets scale!

Do you have the skills required to join Stephanie in eCabs Technologies’ super Product team?

Check out our Careers page
Stephanie’s passion lies in understanding human behaviour and interactions, which led her to study Psychology. She began her career in business analysis in 2014, and since then, she has actively pursued further education through various courses and engaged in diverse projects. Stephanie is mum to two young and lively boys, whom she adores. When she does find some time for herself, she indulges in activities that invigorate her, such as spending time with good company, swimming, enjoying a leisurely walk, or engaging in a good workout session.