IslandRide officially launches next week

Digital Saipan owner and IslandRide CEO Kong Xi said “IslandRide is for everyone’s security and comfortability.” (Bea Cabrera)

The first ride sharing application on Saipan, IslandRide of Digital Saipan, will formally launch the service next week, Jan. 17, 2020, at Saipan World Resort in Susupe from 9am to 12pm. Potential drivers and passengers are welcome to attend.

IslandRide is eyed as Saipan’s version of Uber, Lift, and Grab as it offers safe transport of people, goods, and services. Their pool of drivers will be private citizens and their cars. Plans of adding IslandRide’s own fleet is also on the drawing board depending on the need of the market.

According to Digital Saipan marketing manager Robert Exley in a press release, the launch has been long time coming. “Digital Saipan now has the chance to officially unveil and share our new products as well as to teach Saipan the ‘basics’ of its use. We will also be unveiling new and exciting products from Digital Saipan.”

“…if you are interested in driving full-time or part-time, please attend the event, visit our website at www.digitalsaipan.com or call (670) 287-9758,” he added.

The IslandRide application or app will be available on both iOS and Android platforms though both Google Play Store and Apple App store the launch date at exactly 9am. “We encourage all to download it and take part in this exciting revolution in technology and transportation in the CNMI,” Exley said.

With the IslandRide app, passengers can type their pick-up and drop-off locations. The estimated fare and time of arrival will appear, the nearest driver will appear with his information, and will respond and take the passenger to preferred destination. During the whole process, both driver and passenger are tracked by Digital Saipan through geolocation sharing that will let them know where both driver and passenger are at all times ensuring security.

In an earlier interview, Saipan Tribune learned that Digital Saipan is a software company and the knowledge and experience behind it is CEO/owner Kong Xi, who is from China and boasts 15 years of software development experience under his belt and also runs a software company in Beijing.

“In China, an ordinary day would be where you can step out of your house with just your phone because any transaction can be done through your smart phone whether you are buying groceries, paying bills, and getting a ride. I want to bring that technology and convenience to Saipan,” he said.

“Saipan is a little island with a big need as there’s a lack of mass transit. We have the bus but it is only available in limited hours and areas, we have taxis but also limited and drivers are not vetted and of course, the sad existence of many illegal taxis,” he added.

DigitalSaipan and IslandRide are registered trademarks of Digital Saipan in the United Sates and/or other countries.
For more information, call Exley at (670)287-9758 email: Robert@digitalsaipan.com or visit http://www.digitalsaipan.com