21 de febrero de 2026

Interview with Mototaxista: Challenges and Opportunities

Introduction to the Interview

• The interview begins with gratitude expressed towards the participant for their time and experience. The aim is to understand the real challenges faced by mototaxistas.

• The interviewers are students from Certus conducting research for a digital proposal called "Motoy," aimed at improving safety, service quality, and job opportunities through an app.

Participant Background

• The participant, Sergio Miguel Ramírez Córdoba, is introduced as a 34-year-old resident of San Martín de Porres who has been working as a mototaxista for approximately 3.5 years.

• Sergio shares that he entered this line of work out of necessity due to difficulties in finding employment elsewhere.

Technology in Mototaxi Services

• When asked about mobile applications in mototaxi services, Sergio expresses mixed feelings; he acknowledges potential benefits but also highlights concerns regarding technology's reliability and impact on his work.

• He mentions having seen apps like Elindrad and Jango but has not used them personally; he appreciates the idea of reducing stress related to finding passengers but worries about commission fees and GPS inaccuracies leading to longer routes.

Safety Concerns with Technology

• Sergio believes that while an app could enhance safety by requiring passenger registration, it is not a foolproof solution; dangers still exist when operating without knowledge of who is getting on the motorcycle.

• He suggests that features like a panic button connected to emergency services could provide additional security during dangerous situations. However, he also notes that smartphones can attract unwanted attention from criminals while driving.

Trust Factors in Digital Applications

• For him to trust an application fully, it would need three key features: passenger filtering, mapping of high-risk areas (red zones), and integrated accident insurance coverage. These elements would help build confidence among users like himself.

Impact of Verified Digital Profiles

• A verified digital profile could significantly change perceptions among passengers; knowing they are getting into a vehicle driven by someone with good ratings would alleviate fears associated with using mototaxi services. This transparency fosters trust between drivers and passengers alike.

• Sergio emphasizes how such verification could lead to increased customer loyalty as families would feel more secure sending their children with trusted drivers based on visible ratings and reviews from other users within their community. This differentiation could be crucial in building long-term relationships with clients amidst competition in the industry.

Understanding the Life of a Mototaxista

The Importance of a Verified Profile

• A verified profile distinguishes professional mototaxistas from those who do not maintain their work tools, enhancing reputation and providing protection against abuse.

• It serves as a professional title, instilling pride in the worker and motivating them to provide good service.

Factors Influencing Passenger Trust

• Passengers often decide on which mototaxista to trust within seconds based on three main factors: the appearance of the motorcycle, cleanliness, and orderliness.

• A positive attitude is crucial; it attracts passengers rather than deterring them. Good personal presentation also plays a significant role in building trust.

• Predictability in service is key for passengers; they prefer knowing that their journey will be smooth without unexpected charges. Trust builds over multiple rides.

Daily Work Routine

• The typical workday starts at 6 AM, focusing on cleaning and preparing the motorcycle before heading to busy areas like urban exits where potential passengers are found.

• Peak hours are essential for maximizing passenger pickups, especially during school drop-offs and morning commutes. The strategy involves patience to avoid unnecessary fuel expenses while waiting for customers.

Managing Downtime Effectively

• During slow periods with no passengers, mototaxistas utilize time by maintaining their vehicles—cleaning seats, checking oil levels, and ensuring overall readiness for when business picks up again.

• They may face frustration during long waits without customers but strive to remain proactive by keeping their vehicle presentable or seeking alternative ways to generate income through various locations like markets or churches.

Financial Management Strategies

• Managing finances as a mototaxista requires careful tracking of income and expenses since there is no fixed salary; they must prioritize fuel costs while balancing earnings from fares throughout the day.

• Effective budgeting is critical; they need to ensure that every sol earned contributes positively towards covering daily operational costs while supporting family needs amidst fluctuating demand for services.

Mototaxi Operations and Improvements

Managing Finances and Maintenance

• The speaker discusses the importance of separating money for fuel, emphasizing that without gasoline, there is no business.

• They highlight the necessity of maintaining their vehicle in optimal condition to avoid breakdowns during service.

• Key operational hours are identified: early mornings (6:30 - 9 AM) when people commute to work and school, as well as after school hours (1 - 2:30 PM).

• Night shifts are also crucial, particularly from 6:30 PM to 9 PM when night workers return home.

Challenges in Service Timing

• The speaker notes a "dead hour" from 10:30 AM to 12 PM when demand drops significantly.

• Late-night hours post-10 PM are also described as slow due to reduced passenger activity.

Proposed Changes for Safety and Professionalism

• To gain respect, the speaker suggests mototaxi drivers should wear uniforms and display identification badges.

• Training sessions on first aid and road safety are recommended for drivers to enhance professionalism.

• A GPS monitoring system is proposed for real-time tracking of vehicles and passengers.

Addressing Current Issues in Mototaxi Services

• The speaker identifies informality and unregistered units as major issues affecting legitimate operators' earnings.

• Unregulated competitors undercut prices, making it difficult for formal services to compete fairly.

Suggestions for Technological Enhancements

• The speaker advocates for an app that addresses practical issues faced by drivers daily rather than fanciful features.

• A community emergency button within the app is suggested for immediate assistance during incidents.

• Features like a digital wallet option would allow cashless transactions alongside traditional payments.

Future of Mototaxi Work and Technology Integration

Evolution of the Mototaxista Role

• The speaker envisions a future where mototaxistas are not seen as a last resort for transportation, but rather as a viable option alongside taxis and buses.

• There is an aspiration for the adoption of electric motorcycles to promote eco-friendliness and reduce environmental impact.

• The idea of having a virtual co-pilot that provides real-time traffic updates and safety alerts is proposed, highlighting innovative technological advancements.

Safety Concerns in Daily Operations

• The speaker expresses significant concerns about personal safety due to rising crime rates, which creates stress while working.

• A call for increased government investment in security measures such as rapid assistance points is made to ensure safer working conditions.

• Emphasizes the need for feeling secure while providing services, which would enhance work efficiency.

Support from Authorities

• The speaker feels unsupported by law enforcement, noting that police often appear distracted or unengaged with their duties.

• There’s a desire for more active policing to provide reassurance while working on the streets.

• Caution is exercised in daily operations to avoid drawing attention that could lead to extortion or other risks.

Information Needs While Working

• The speaker wishes for access to real-time information about dangerous areas and frequent passenger data to optimize routes effectively.

• A suggestion is made for an application that tracks earnings and expenses, simplifying financial management during work hours.

Challenges in Earnings and Organization

• Fluctuating fuel prices significantly affect income; thus, understanding market dynamics is crucial for financial planning.

• Knowledge about competing illegal units (piratas) would help strategize better client acquisition without conflict.

• There's an expressed need for tools that assist in managing time efficiently and tracking productive hours.

Recent Stressful Situations in Work

Impact of a Recent Robbery Attempt

• A recent robbery attempt was described as both stressful and dangerous, requiring evasive maneuvers to avoid the assailants.

• The speaker's unit suffered damage from gunfire, but fortunately, they were not physically harmed. They had to spend money on repairs afterward.

Emotional and Economic Consequences

• The emotional impact includes ongoing fear and insecurity about future incidents, affecting daily life.

• Economically, the speaker faced significant expenses for maintenance due to damages incurred during the robbery attempt, including replacing a gas tank that was shot.

Current Concerns in Daily Life

Daily Challenges Faced

• The primary concern is meeting daily quotas while dealing with insecurity; this involves actively seeking passengers for their mototaxi service.

• Family responsibilities weigh heavily on the speaker's mind, especially with an expectant wife and a young child entering school soon. Financial pressures are mounting due to educational costs.

Coping Strategies

• To address financial stressors, the speaker is exploring additional income sources by considering selling snacks or small items from their vehicle as a side business. This would differentiate them from competitors and provide extra revenue.

• While this solution may be temporary, it reflects adaptability in seeking new opportunities amidst challenges faced in their current job situation.

Future Aspirations and Tools Used

Vision for Improvement

• If financial burdens related to family obligations were alleviated, the speaker envisions using earnings solely for home improvements rather than survival needs; this would significantly enhance their quality of life.

• Despite potential changes in circumstances, there remains a commitment to work hard continuously for family support as part of traditional male roles within society.

Organizational Tools Utilized

• Currently, WhatsApp is the only application used by the speaker to manage client relationships effectively; it allows them to maintain contact with regular customers who provide consistent work opportunities.

• Other social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram are deemed ineffective for their specific business model; thus reliance on WhatsApp continues as a practical choice for communication and organization purposes.

Potential Applications for Business Growth

Interest in New Solutions

• The speaker expresses willingness to pay around $30 monthly for an application that could help increase earnings while reducing risks associated with their work environment; this reflects openness towards technological solutions that can enhance productivity and safety in their profession.

Discussion on Pricing and Features of a New App

Initial Thoughts on Pricing

• The speaker suggests that charging 30 soles is a reasonable minimum price, indicating it would not significantly impact their finances if they were to earn 300 soles.

• They express that 30 soles is a modest amount for the service being offered, which aligns with their expectations for the app's pricing structure.

Trial Period Considerations

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a trial period to test the app, suggesting that users should be given a chance to evaluate its effectiveness before committing financially.

• They mention that good results and positive reviews from other users would influence their decision to pay for the service after the trial period.

Desired Features for User Adoption

• For them to consider using the app, it must provide real-time traffic updates and information about police interventions or accidents in their vicinity. This feature would enhance safety while working.

• A GPS system with a radius of 30 meters around all units is crucial for ensuring user security when they activate an emergency button. This level of safety could make them one of the first adopters of such an application.

Recommendations for Broader Use

• The speaker expresses willingness to recommend this app not only to fellow mototaxistas but also to those involved in delivery services, highlighting its potential utility across different sectors. They believe it could serve as continuous support in their work environment.

• They note that if the app can track criminal activity related to delivery drivers, it would further enhance its value by providing necessary information about offenders in case of incidents.

Final Thoughts on Application Development

• The speaker concludes by stressing that improving citizen security should be a primary focus when developing applications aimed at mototaxistas, indicating this aspect is vital for successful implementation and user trust. They hope this digital transition will modernize their work experience significantly compared to past methods.