Freenow launches in Kempten – Allgäu goes digital

The launch in Kempten is Freenow's first step into the region. The city is considered the logistical and economic hub of the Allgäu – a location where SMEs and industry are closely intertwined.

„Kempten ist das Herz der Region. Wir wollen zeigen, dass digitale Lösungen und das traditionelle Taxigewerbe zusammenpassen“, sagt Alexander Mönch, Präsident von Freenow by Lyft Deutschland & Österreich.

Taxi by App instead of a call

For passengers, the main change is the convenience. Those who previously had to call a taxi by phone can now book it via the app—and pay online immediately. On average, the waiting time is currently around six minutes. As the number of available vehicles increases, it should continue to fall.

For the local industry, the cooperation brings an additional booking platform, without the drivers losing their independence.

"Freenow helps us keep up with digital bookings, without handing over the local business," says Zia Ullah Khan, owner of Taxiruf Zentrale Kempten. Since June, his company has been part of the network. "We are noticing that we are getting more orders."

Tradition and Technology

Freenow, according to its own statements, relies on partnerships with existing operators, not on competition. Drivers are trained and integrated into the platform. The aim is to strengthen the taxi as part of urban mobility — in a region that has so far been dominated by private cars.

Kempten has just under 70,000 inhabitants and is Swabia's second-largest city after Augsburg. 37 large German companies and around 20 important mid-sized companies have their headquarters here — an environment that relies on efficient mobility.