ComfortDelGro bookings jumped 9% after Uber's exit

The number hit a three-year high.

ComfortDelGro Taxi said bookings made through its call centre and app in May jumped 9% from last year, marking the highest number of bookings since September 2014.

"The turnaround in bookings has come on the back of Uber Technology’s exit from the region as well as the Company’s concerted efforts, including the rolling out of marketing promotions for passengers in recent months,"  ComfortDelGro said in an announcement.

Also read: ComfortDelGro backs out of Uber deal

It noted that promo codes that cut $3 off from passenger's flat fares when they book through the app outside peak hours were the most popular.

"The $8-discount promotion, which was usable on rides originating from the city and taken between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., was equally well-received. In all, about 57,000 promo codes were redeemed," it added.

ComfortDelGro Taxi CEO Ang Wei Neng commented, "We have been rolling out very targeted booking promotions and this, we believe, has helped to boost the demand. At the same time, we are also giving our cabbies weekly incentives to reward them for actively taking booking jobs so that passengers can get their taxis even faster.”

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ComfortDelGro Cabby Alex Ng said he observed an increase in booking jobs. “I've always taken booking jobs only from the Company because I like to focus on one platform. Recently, I've noticed that the booking jobs have increased by around 20% and I'm positive that I will be able to do even more in time to come," he added.

Last month, ComfortDelGro Taxi has announced that it was ordering another 700 taxis – a sign that, the company said, "demand was definitely picking up."