Since its launch three years ago, the City of Windhoek app has recorded over 14,867 downloads, with 737 active users in the past 30 days.

The mobile app aims to enhance public safety by enabling residents to verify taxis prior to their use.

Launched in July 2023, it includes a taxi verification feature designed to help commuters confirm whether a taxi is registered and safe to use.

The app provides access to the vehicle's registration number, the taxi owner, and its colour and type.

The verification service is directly linked to the City Police Taxi Registration System.

"Unfortunately, we are unable to see or track currently how often these users are performing verification queries. But we believe that is something that is happening more frequently. We have recorded and experienced no major challenges in implementing or maintaining the taxi verification features on the app. So we believe it's working very well, and nothing of that concern has been brought to the city's attention," said city spokesperson Lydia Amutenya.

Amutenya said the city has observed a gradual increase in residents verifying taxis before boarding, largely driven by public awareness campaigns and ongoing safety messaging.

She added that the app is contributing positively to commuter safety by promoting accountability among taxi operators, which may help reduce taxi-related incidents and complaints.

The City further noted that no major challenges have been experienced in implementing or maintaining the feature.

Although there are currently no confirmed plans to expand the service, suggestions such as including taxi owners' contact details have been made by users of the app.

If no taxi details are found after entering a number, users are encouraged to use the "Report Taxi" button on the app to report any suspected pirate taxi.