ENTREVISTA PAT

Interview with Gerson Gómez Calero: Insights into the Life of a Mototaxista

Introduction and Purpose of the Interview

• The interview begins with gratitude for the participant's time, emphasizing the value of their experience as a mototaxista.

• The purpose is to understand the real challenges faced by mototaxistas, aiming to develop a digital proposal called "Motoy" to enhance safety, service quality, and job opportunities through an app.

• Confidentiality is assured; participants are encouraged to share their genuine experiences without fear of incorrect answers.

Participant Background

• The participant introduces himself as Gerson Gómez Calero, 30 years old, residing in Chorríos. He has been working as a mototaxista for five years.

• Gerson works part-time but can adjust his hours based on demand and personal availability, highlighting the flexibility of being self-employed in this role.

• He mentions having worked with various companies but prefers independent work due to established client relationships.

Motivation for Becoming a Mototaxista

• Gerson shares that he chose this profession for its potential immediate income and positive feedback from friends already in the field about good earnings.

• He emphasizes that many people prefer mototaxis over walking due to weather conditions, indicating consistent demand for services regardless of climate changes.

Daily Operations and Use of Technology

Opinions on Mobile Applications

• When asked about mobile apps like Uber or Yango, Gerson acknowledges their existence but expresses skepticism regarding their necessity for mototaxi services due to the nature of short-distance travel typical in his work.

• He believes that while apps could be beneficial under certain circumstances (e.g., longer distances), they are not essential given his current operational model which relies on direct client interactions rather than waiting for app requests.

Feelings Towards Technology Integration

• Gerson feels that mobile applications could potentially improve efficiency if designed specifically for mototaxis rather than generic solutions currently available which do not meet specific needs effectively.

Safety Concerns Related to Technology

Potential Benefits vs Risks

• In discussing whether an app could enhance safety for mototaxistas, he acknowledges that having access to customer data might increase security but also raises concerns about data falsification issues prevalent today.

Safety and Trust in Mototaxi Services

Importance of Personal Safety Measures

• The speaker emphasizes the need for personal safety measures, such as avoiding dangerous areas and working hours that could lead to theft.

• They express skepticism about the effectiveness of applications providing complete security, noting that no app can guarantee 100% safety.

Impact of Verified Digital Profiles on Passenger Trust

• A question is posed regarding how a verified digital profile with personal data would affect passenger trust.

• The speaker believes that while a good reputation helps, true trust is built through direct experience rather than just ratings.

• They argue that despite having high ratings, many people remain inherently distrustful due to societal reasons.

Factors Influencing Passenger Choices in Mototaxis

• The speaker discusses how passengers often judge mototaxi drivers based on their appearance, which can influence their decision to ride.

• They note that attire plays a significant role; well-dressed drivers are more likely to gain passenger confidence compared to those with informal or flashy clothing.

Daily Work Habits of a Mototaxi Driver

• The speaker describes their typical workday starting at 6 AM, focusing on school runs during peak times for increased earnings.

• They mention building a client base through recommendations from neighbors and regular customers, especially during school days when demand is higher.

• On non-school days, they adapt by seeking passengers near busy locations like markets and public transport hubs.

Routine and Challenges of a Mototaxi Driver

Daily Routine

• The speaker describes their daily routine, which includes preparing for work in the afternoon and returning home afterward. They express satisfaction with this routine.

Handling Downtime

• When there are no passengers, which is rare, the speaker relaxes by listening to music or watching TikTok. They find safe areas to wait and utilize downtime productively.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of using idle time for relaxation while also engaging in productive activities, such as self-reflection.

Managing Income and Expenses

• The speaker discusses how they manage their motorcycle maintenance, ensuring it is serviced regularly to avoid costly repairs. They have an agreement with a mechanic for consistent care.

• Daily fuel expenses are budgeted carefully; they can earn up to 120 soles per day but must balance earnings against costs like fuel and savings contributions.

• A portion of daily earnings is set aside for savings and communal funds, while the remainder covers living expenses such as food and transportation.

Peak Times for Earnings

• The speaker identifies challenging times during the day when passenger demand is low (e.g., mid-afternoon). Conversely, festive periods significantly increase earnings due to higher demand.

Suggestions for Improvement in Mototaxi Services

• The speaker reflects on the need for mototaxi drivers to operate under a company structure rather than independently. This would enhance trust among potential passengers.

• They advocate for professional standards within mototaxi services, including proper attire and communication skills to build customer confidence.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript regarding the life of a mototaxi driver, focusing on routines, challenges faced during downtimes, financial management strategies, peak earning times, and suggestions for improving service professionalism.

What Are the Current Issues in the Mototaxi System?

Problems Identified by Mototaxi Drivers

• The speaker notes that some mototaxi drivers exaggerate their behavior, such as using loudspeakers excessively, which detracts from professionalism.

• There is a lack of proper customer service; some drivers are described as despotic and fail to understand or empathize with clients.

• The need for improvements in presentation and music choices among drivers is emphasized as crucial for enhancing the overall service experience.

How Can Technology Improve Mototaxi Services?

Proposed Enhancements via an Application

• A fundamental improvement suggested is better driver attire, which could enhance the professional image of mototaxis.

• The speaker advocates for a standardized pricing system through an app to prevent price discrepancies among drivers, which currently leads to confusion and competition based on cost rather than service quality.

• Establishing a standard fare would help maintain fairness and transparency in pricing, benefiting both drivers and passengers.

Future Aspirations for Mototaxi Work

Vision for Technological Integration

• The speaker expresses hope that technology can facilitate better interactions between customers and mototaxi drivers, addressing issues of mistreatment from both sides.

• A suggestion is made for an application feature that allows customers to be rated by drivers, helping identify problematic clients while also providing valuable data about customer behavior.

Unmet Needs of Mototaxi Drivers

Daily Challenges Faced

• One major concern highlighted is uncertainty regarding fair pricing; knowing if they are charging correctly compared to peers would provide peace of mind.

• Understanding client backgrounds through a database would improve safety and efficiency in service delivery.

Safety Concerns While Working

Security Issues on the Road

• A significant issue raised is the lack of police presence, making it difficult for drivers to report crimes or seek assistance when needed.

• The risk associated with accidents involving other vehicles poses another serious concern; mototaxis often suffer more severe consequences during collisions.

Information Needs During Work Hours

Real-Time Data Requirements

• Familiarity with dangerous areas is essential; however, new drivers would benefit greatly from real-time alerts about hazardous zones.

• Having access to frequent passenger information could help build consistent clientele relationships while tracking earnings would aid financial management.

Mis estudios y su impacto en mi trabajo

Limitaciones de los estudios

• El hablante menciona que sus estudios son una limitación, pero se siente optimista sobre terminar en un año y medio.

• Considera el motociclismo como una fuente de ingresos para poder dedicarse a otras actividades en el futuro.

Situaciones estresantes en el trabajo

• Relata una experiencia frustrante con un cliente que llegó tarde, lo que resultó en pérdida de tiempo y dinero.

• A pesar del mal trato recibido, decidió no confrontar al cliente por ser mujer, reflejando la dinámica de poder entre clientes y mototaxistas.

Preocupaciones actuales y soluciones

Seguridad personal

• La seguridad es la principal preocupación del hablante; teme por el robo de su motocicleta cuando está estacionada fuera de casa.

Manejo de conflictos

• Al enfrentar problemas con clientes, intenta establecer límites claros sobre el tiempo de espera para evitar conflictos futuros.

• Se esfuerza por mejorar la comunicación con los clientes para prevenir situaciones incómodas.

Impacto del trato hacia los mototaxistas

Relaciones con los clientes

• Si mejorara el trato hacia él como mototaxista, podría compartir su número con más confianza y aumentar sus oportunidades laborales.

Desigualdad social

• Comenta sobre cómo algunos clientes se sienten superiores debido a su estatus económico, lo que afecta la relación laboral.

Herramientas y estrategias para mejorar el trabajo

Importancia de la educación

• Resalta que ser educado es fundamental para atraer más clientes; un buen trato genera lealtad entre ellos.

Uso de aplicaciones

• Aunque no utiliza muchas aplicaciones específicas, considera que las habilidades interpersonales son más efectivas para conseguir pasajeros.

Mototaxi Application Insights

Payment Structure and Expectations

• The speaker discusses the potential earnings from completing 30 rides, estimating a base earning of five soles with an additional six soles generated by the application. They suggest that a fair payment model would involve paying a percentage based on earnings.

• The speaker expresses concern about high fees charged by applications, typically ranging from 10% to 20%, but indicates willingness to accept a lower fee if customer demand is high.

• Emphasizing the daily nature of mototaxi work, they argue against monthly payments, proposing instead that fees should be calculated daily based on actual earnings.

• When asked about a comfortable monthly fee for using the app, the speaker suggests 30 soles for unlimited access as reasonable and appealing.

Decision Factors for Subscription

• To justify paying 30 soles per month, the speaker highlights the importance of evidence such as results and testimonials from other users who have benefited from the application.

• They stress the need for a trial period before committing financially to ensure that it will generate profits rather than losses.

• The effectiveness of the app in generating clients and profits is deemed crucial; without this assurance, there would be no incentive to pay.

Desired Features and Client Classification

• The speaker desires features that include client classification based on feedback from previous drivers regarding passenger behavior (e.g., friendly vs. difficult customers).

• They emphasize personal safety and comfort when selecting clients, indicating that knowing customer behavior can significantly impact their decision-making process.

Recommendations for Target Audience

• The speaker believes that this application would be more beneficial for those working within established lines or groups rather than independent operators due to formalities associated with mototaxi services.

• They mention that being part of an association or community provides credibility and reassurance to passengers regarding service quality.

Final Thoughts and Advice

• In concluding remarks, they affirm having shared all necessary insights about their work experience without further additions needed at this time.

• When asked for advice on creating an effective mototaxi application, they recommend considering both mototaxi drivers' needs and customer behaviors to enhance service quality and satisfaction.

Interview Insights on App Development for Mototaxistas

Key Features and Suggestions for the Application

• The interviewee expresses willingness to use an application that enhances security and income, suggesting there may be additional features to consider beyond the existing customer database.

• A critical suggestion includes incorporating information about dangerous areas, which would help mototaxistas navigate safely. This feature could significantly improve their operational safety.

• The interviewee emphasizes the importance of real-time traffic updates within the app. Knowing current traffic conditions would allow mototaxistas to choose alternate routes, saving time and improving efficiency.

Conclusion of Interview

• The interviewer thanks the participant for their valuable insights, highlighting that their experience is crucial in designing a solution tailored to meet the needs of mototaxistas.