Teleport : App For Chauffeuring Guests

There has been a growth in the use of technology in the events industry. One of the newest technologies one on the list is Teleport, an application used for chauffeuring VIP guests to events, that is supported by Über.

“Teleport is a free iOS app (which was just launched last November) that allows hosts to send an Uber to pick up speakers and other guests for their events” (Mitra Sorrells).  In this app the host is able to pick up guests and bring them to a specific location via Über’s drivers. The guest being pick up will receive a text message from the host which contains a link, which then opens a web app. The guest then needs to drop a ‘pin’ on a point on the map in the web app where they wish to be picked up and thus Über will pick them up from the desired meeting point. The app will also enable the guest to see how far away the driver is, what type of car it is, the license plate and the driver’s name. This enables direct and clear communication between the driver of the car and the guest to be picked up.

The most important thing required for this app is that the hosts or the person sending the Über need to have the Teleport app installed and that same person pays for the ride. Also both the parties, i.e. the sender and the receiver, need to be within 100 miles of each other. The use of Teleport is only successful in countries or cities where Uber is used. One of the most important factors in this app is that the driver, as well as the guest will not see each others addresses or their detailed personal information

The most recent app update is that Teleport allows customers to send a Teleport link to Facebook Messenger conversations, WeChat, and other platforms. This “means the host does not need to know the guest’s phone number and the next update will allow planners and other event hosts to send and track multiple rides at once.” (Mitra Sorrells) As well Teleport plans to allow planners and other event hosts to send and track multiple rides at once in their next update.

One of the strongest features of this app is that Teleport is utilizing a pre-existing service, Über. This allows for cost efficiency and time saving which aids in the continually improvements of the quality of events. Along with this we cannot neglect the fact that Teleport only runs via Uber and no other service or taxi service; Über is not available in every destination. Hence this application cannot be used in international markets where Uber is banned or where Uber does not exist.

Lastly there is currently a large security worry with Uber drivers in my destinations. As quite a few of them do not have a legal ‘taxi’ license or there are not enough background checks being performed before hiring. However, many local and national authorities are taking strict action against Uber drivers, in enforcing higher standards of Über driver back check and distributing a sort of ‘taxi’ license to many drivers. Thus safety can become less of an immediate concern in the future for Teleport.

                                            Contributed by Alexa and Sakshi

Source and picture from: http://www.bizbash.com/a-new-app-for-chauffeuring-vip-guests-to-events/new-york/story/31745#.Vv1VnVV97IU February 4^th, 2016