"We developed this PickMe in a very short time. In the beginning, it had its flaws and was not quite compatible with different mobile brands. But we've been working on it and updating it regularly. Bug reports from our users are gradually decreasing, too," says Bijay Luitel, one of the six developers of this app. The developers credit the blockade and difficulties it brought forth as the major catalyst for developing this app.One of the users, Kaushal Raj Ghimire says that the app has made things a lot easier for him. "A friend suggested me to use PickMe, and because I don't own a vehicle, this has been a great help in the current time when finding a public transport is next to impossible. Also since PickMe doesn't use up too much data, this is a cheaper means for times when you don't have access to wi-fi. Compared to other means, like Facebook groups, it's also easier to search for available lifts."
While registering for the app, the lift provider is required to enter detailed information including his/her phone number, vehicle number, vehicle type (whether two or four-wheeler) and their routes.
Bijay explains that this ensures security to some degree: "It's compulsory to provide these details so that even if something goes wrong, we won't have much difficulty tracking the perpetrator."
Another user Anjila Neupane, 20, says that hitchhiking is a logical option to consider in times like this. "I had my board exams the other day and I could not risk waiting for a public transport. So I used the app to find a lift provider. I also feel it's somehow safer to use the app instead of asking for lifts from random people on street," she explains.
The team is motivated to upgrade the app and make it better in the coming days, whether or not the blockade lifts. "Hitchhiking is a culture brought forth by the blockade, and I don't think this culture will die out as soon as we have enough fuel supplies," says Bijay.
PickMe will soon see lots of new changes. The team will introduce features such as 'notification as per the location', which will notify users seeking lifts as soon as someone offers a lift from the same locality. For now lift seekers are required to call the lift providers to book the seat. The app will also see a comment system, which, the developers believe, will facilitate communication between users. PickMe will also incorporate a mobile number verification system so that users can't post just about anyone's number. "Once a user enters a phone number, we'll send a verification code to that number which should be further used for verification purposes. This will ensure greater security," says Bijay.
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