Taxi services in Seychelles are expected to become easier, faster and cheaper with the newly launched mobile application LinkUp, reports Seychelles News Agency.

The island nation currently does not have any taxi service company or phone operators that can be called to order a taxi from a central line, and taxi drivers work independently, based at different taxi stands around the country.

With the launch of the application, travellers can request and pay for a taxi service from their smartphones. LinkUp will direct travellers to the nearest taxi that will drive them to their destination, making it easier and faster for people to move around.

"What we are doing is creating a link between clients and service, including taxis, which is the first service we are launching with the app," said CEO of LinkUp Mobility Services and Delivery, Trevor Cupidon.

The app has been developed by Cupidon with a partner based in the US and is available to download free on Apple App Store and Google Play.

Cupidon said the service would be open to registered taxi operators only, giving them quicker access to clients across the country.

"We have seen the number of issues taxi drivers face in Seychelles and so we gave them priority by allowing them to be the first service launched with the app."

Addressing the issue of high taxi fares, Cupidon said through the app there would be a fixed price per kilometre, which is set by LinkUp, and clients would be able to pay directly on their phones or by cash to the driver.

"We have agreed with the drivers that 15% payment from each trip will go to LinkUp, with the rest going to the driver," added Cupidon.

He said that, so far, the response had been quite positive from both taxi drivers and clients.

However, some taxi operators have expressed discontent with the app and the chairman of the Taxi Operators Association, Ron Marie, said the service was a threat to their business. "The electronic aspect of LinkUp will destroy our traditional ways of operating, where we usually queue up at various locations to await our clients."

Those who have registered with the app said they felt the service was a good idea and would help them.

At the moment, 62 of the 450 taxi operators have already registered with the service.

While LinkUp has launched with taxi rides as the first service, Cupidon said there were plans to add more in the future.

This will include food, grocery, drinks and even medicine delivery. There will also be a custom option, where people can request the delivery of any items, such as letters, documents, or any other object.