ENTREVISTA MOTOYÁ - PAT

Interview with Juan Elías Tueros Torres: Insights from a Mototaxista

Introduction and Purpose of the Interview

• The interview begins with gratitude towards Juan for his time, emphasizing the value of his experience as a mototaxista. The aim is to understand the real challenges he faces in this profession.

• The interviewers introduce themselves as students from Certus conducting research for a digital proposal called "Motoya," aimed at improving safety, service quality, and job opportunities for mototaxistas.

• Confidentiality is assured, encouraging Juan to share his experiences freely without fear of incorrect answers. They express interest in understanding his perspective deeply.

Background Information on Juan

• Juan introduces himself, sharing that he is 29 years old and has been working as a mototaxista for nearly 10 years in Chorríos, Lima. He expresses satisfaction with his work during this period.

• He recounts how he started driving motorcycles out of curiosity and a desire to learn after struggling with car driving lessons from an uncle. A neighbor taught him motorcycle riding within three days.

Daily Challenges and Technology Integration

• The interviewer seeks to explore Juan's daily life as a mototaxista and the challenges he encounters, particularly regarding potential improvements through digital solutions.

• Juan shares that he has not yet integrated any mobile applications into his work but acknowledges their potential benefits for increasing income and enhancing safety amidst insecurity in Lima.

Opinions on Mobile Applications

• He believes that while apps could help improve earnings by providing more rides based on ratings, they also pose risks by potentially exposing personal information to malicious individuals who might misuse it for robbery purposes.

• There are pros and cons associated with using such technology; while it can enhance security through tracking performance metrics like driver ratings, it may also increase vulnerability to crime if passenger data isn't protected adequately.

Trust Factors in Digital Profiles

• When asked about verified digital profiles impacting passenger trust, Juan suggests that having identifiable information about passengers (like photos) could enhance safety but warns against dangerous locations where mototaxistas might be targeted by criminals posing as customers.

• He emphasizes the need for an application that allows drivers to see passenger ratings and feedback which would help them assess risk before accepting rides from certain individuals or destinations deemed unsafe.

Passenger Decision-Making Criteria

• In discussing how passengers choose which mototaxista to trust, Juan highlights the importance of driver ratings based on past performance—how well they follow traffic rules and treat passengers respectfully influences their decision-making process significantly.

• He advocates for incorporating features into apps that promote safe driving practices among mototaxistas, such as reminders about seatbelt use and adherence to traffic laws to ensure both driver and passenger safety during rides.( t = 512 s)

Urban Transportation Insights

The Role of Mototaxis in Urban Transport

• Mototaxis are classified as urban transportation, emphasizing the need for adherence to traffic regulations and quality service for passengers.

• The discussion highlights the importance of customer service in ensuring a good experience for passengers using mototaxi services.

A Typical Workday of a Mototaxista

• A typical workday starts at 7 AM, with some drivers beginning as early as 5 AM to maximize passenger availability during school hours.

• The driver typically works until around 10 PM, taking breaks throughout the day to manage peak times effectively.

• Morning hours are particularly busy due to school commutes, while midday sees an influx of workers heading out for lunch. Evening rush hour also brings increased demand.

Strategies for Passenger Acquisition

• Initially, drivers may wait on the street for passengers but often transition to designated pick-up points after 9:30 AM where they can actively engage with customers.

• When there are no passengers, drivers utilize mobile applications to seek additional fares and optimize their time effectively. This strategy helps mitigate income loss during slow periods.

Financial Management Practices

• Drivers maintain detailed records of daily earnings and expenses by separating funds allocated for vehicle maintenance from personal household needs using a notebook system.

• Monthly maintenance costs can range significantly based on vehicle condition; regular upkeep is essential to avoid larger repair bills later on. Costs can vary from 200 to over 500 soles depending on usage and repairs needed throughout the month.

Peak Times and Seasonal Variations

• Mornings and late afternoons (around 6 PM) are identified as peak times when demand is highest due to commuting patterns related to work schedules and school timings.

• March through December is noted as the most profitable period due to increased activity from students returning to school, while January and February see a decline in business following holiday spending patterns during December.

Suggestions for Improving Mototaxi Services

Enhancing Safety Measures

• The speaker suggests that mototaxistas should use seat belts for their own safety, similar to car drivers, as they are at risk of accidents.

• Emphasizes the importance of seat belts not only for the driver but also mentions that passengers could benefit from them, although it's less practical due to short distances.

• Highlights personal experiences where mototaxistas have been involved in accidents and stresses the need for better protection measures.

Addressing Licensing Issues

• Points out that many mototaxistas currently operate without proper licenses, which undermines their professionalism and safety.

• Advocates for mandatory licensing and proper documentation (like SOAT insurance), arguing it would improve public perception of mototaxistas.

• Suggests implementing a road safety training program to educate mototaxistas on traffic rules and regulations.

Application-Based Improvements

• Proposes an app that identifies passengers and sets fair pricing, ensuring rates are competitive yet reasonable compared to traditional services.

• Stresses the need for mutual rating systems between drivers and passengers to enhance accountability and service quality.

• Discusses the importance of fair compensation based on distance traveled, advocating against low payment for long rides.

Future Vision for Mototaxi Work

• Envisions a future where technology enhances passenger security by providing information about drivers' records and behavior.

• Notes the negative stigma surrounding mototaxistas today; calls for a system that improves their image through transparency in operations.

• Suggests that having a well-presented appearance is crucial for mototaxistas to gain public trust amidst concerns over safety.

Technology's Role in Improving Mototaxi Services

The Importance of Driver Information

• Technology should include personal data of the driver, such as nationality and physical traits, to enhance service quality.

• Good treatment from mototaxistas towards passengers is crucial; negative attitudes can lead to uncomfortable experiences.

Addressing Passenger Interactions

• Some mototaxistas lack patience with passengers, leading to conflicts during rides.

• A record of good treatment could be beneficial for mototaxistas, promoting better interactions with passengers.

Unmet Needs in Mototaxi Operations

Safety and Location of Stops

• There is a need for better organization at mototaxi stops; poorly located stops pose risks for accidents.

• Examples include stops that are dangerously placed on busy roads or near bus stops, increasing accident potential.

Municipal Responsibility

• Local authorities must ensure safe and well-located mototaxi stops to protect drivers and passengers alike.

• Implementing regulations on the number of mototaxis per stop could create order within districts.

Concerns About Security While Working

Need for Police Presence

• Increased police presence at mototaxi stops is necessary to deter crime and provide safety for drivers.

• Drivers feel vulnerable to assaults without adequate police oversight in their working areas.

Personal Experiences with Crime

• A driver shares a personal experience of being robbed while working, highlighting the need for improved security measures.

Real-Time Information Needs During Rides

Importance of Destination Awareness

• An application providing real-time information about destinations would help drivers avoid unsafe areas known as "red zones."

• Knowledge about high-risk locations allows drivers to make informed decisions regarding fare pricing and safety precautions.

Safety Concerns for Mototaxi Drivers

The Importance of Safety

• A young driver, around 3-4 years in experience, expresses concerns about safety when navigating to certain destinations that seem dangerous.

• The primary limitation for drivers is safety; it is emphasized as the most critical factor for mototaxi operators.

Risks Faced by Drivers

• There is a misconception that mototaxi drivers can go anywhere without risk; however, they face dangers from "red zone" areas where crime is prevalent.

• A personal anecdote illustrates the danger: a driver was robbed after innocently taking a passenger to an unfamiliar location.

Coping with Crime

• When faced with robbery, the driver suggests reporting to police but acknowledges that such actions often feel futile due to lack of serious follow-up.

• Many drivers feel resigned after losing money in robberies and prefer to move on rather than confront criminals directly.

Impact of Crime on Work Life

• The driver believes it's better to lose money or property than risk personal safety; life is valued over material possessions.

• If crime were eliminated, drivers would work more peacefully and potentially earn more income without fear of theft.

Current Tools and Applications Used by Drivers

Lack of Technological Support

• Currently, the driver does not use any applications for organizing work or securing passengers but recognizes their potential benefits for increasing earnings.

Challenges in Pricing and Routing

• Without apps, drivers rely on waiting at designated spots and must navigate pricing challenges based on passenger demands versus fair rates.

Desired Features in Future Applications

• If an application could help increase earnings while reducing risks, the driver would consider paying around 30 to 40 soles monthly based on expected gains.

Expectations from New Applications

Essential Features for Adoption

• For a new app to gain traction among mototaxi drivers, it must demonstrate clear financial benefits through increased earnings while being affordable.

Trust Factors Before Subscription

• Key factors influencing subscription decisions include proven results, testimonials from other users, and guarantees of profitability.

Insights on Mototaxi Application Usage and Recommendations

User Experience with the Application

• The waiting time for mototaxi pickups often exceeds what is indicated in the application, leading to inefficiencies. Passengers should ideally wait outside their homes to minimize delays.

• Delays in arrival times can result in lost income for mototaxistas, as they spend more time waiting than anticipated, which also wastes fuel.

Recommendations for Other Mototaxistas

• The speaker would recommend the application to fellow mototaxistas due to its potential for higher daily or weekly earnings, including bonuses that exceed typical daily income.

• A primary motivation for mototaxistas is financial gain; many aim to earn over 100 soles per day.

Trust and Perception of Mototaxistas

• There is a need for public trust in mototaxistas; they should not be viewed negatively despite lacking formal education. Many are trained professionals who prioritize passenger safety.

• The profession carries risks, including accidents and crime. It's important for society to recognize the legitimacy and honor of being a mototaxista.

Passenger Behavior and Safety Concerns

• Passengers sometimes treat mototaxistas poorly; there’s a call for respectful interactions as drivers possess valuable local knowledge that ensures safe travel routes.

• Drivers are experienced in navigating dangerous areas, contributing significantly to passenger safety through their expertise.

Suggestions for Improving the Application

• Essential features include verifying both driver and passenger identities within the app to enhance security amidst rising crime rates.

• Pricing structures should be fair—neither too high nor too low—to accommodate all drivers while maintaining profitability.

• The application should promote good customer service standards among drivers, addressing how personal issues may affect their interactions with passengers.

Conclusion of Discussion

• Appreciation was expressed towards Juan's insights regarding his experiences as a mototaxista, emphasizing how these perspectives will inform future developments of applications aimed at improving conditions within this sector.