Daveyton youngster Sphephelo Mabena has created an app to help solve “taxi maths” and put an end to miscalculations.
The St Francis learner said he developed the “4local” app last year after he witnessed a verbal fight among taxi passengers about miscalculated change.
“I decided to solve this problem by creating the app to assist those who get frustrated by counting change in a taxi,” he said.
The 17-year-old said he has always wanted to create an app.
“I have always had a passion for technology. I taught myself computer programming in Java using YouTube tutorials and I have also created websites. I will definitely create more problem-solving apps in the future,” he said.
ALSO READ:
Residents urged to be aware of white taxi involved in robbing passengers in Benoni
The young app developer said it took him two weeks to create 4local.
“The only challenge I came across while creating the app was the data expenses. I received good reviews about 4local from the community and more than 2 000 users have installed the app to date,” said the youngster.
Mabena explained that when a user uses the app, they fill in three inputs which are the taxi fee per passenger, amount sent forward and the number of passengers included in the amount.
The app will then calculate the change for the user.
“4local also gives you an analysis on your transactions. For example, it will tell you that there is a passenger that did not pay. It also keeps a record of your taxi transactions while you are still waiting for change,” he said.
Mabena plans to study computer science after matric as he enjoys mathematics and physical sciences because they have one thing in common, problem-solving.
He encourages other young people to believe in themselves and not to listen to other’s opinions.
ALSO READ:
Film about Plastic City wins big at the Echo BRICS Film Festival
