The TON Foundation has partnered with Tada, a ride-hailing application in Singapore that enables users to book journeys and pay with cryptocurrency.
In conjunction with the partnership, Tada introduced a Telegram Mini App, a mini-application operating within the Telegram messaging platform. This application enables users to reserve transportation in Singapore. The Mini App will allow users to finalize their reservations via TON.
Tada, established in 2018, is a corporation that conducts business in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore.
The company’s zero-commission policy enables passengers and drivers to negotiate more favorable prices. A subsequent date in 2024 will see the company’s expansion into Hong Kong.
Payments in Cryptocurrency for Transportation Reservations
Users can pay for their travels using The Open Network TON token or Tether USDT, both based on the TON blockchain, as a result of the partnership.
USDT, Tether’s stablecoin, was introduced to the TON network on April 19. The announcement was made during a keynote speech at the Token2049 event in Dubai, which Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, TON CEO Andrew Rogozov, and Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino attended.
Harvey Kim, the president of Korea at the TON Foundation, said that the two organizations are promoting their collaboration by offering users 4,000 free rides and discounts in conjunction with the upcoming Token2049 event in Singapore. Kim stated:
“Attendees at next week’s TOKEN2049 event will be able to make free and discounted taxi rides using a Mini App in Telegram that doesn’t require any new downloads, opens up in just one tap, and accepts both Toncoin and USDT on TON.”
Increasing the adoption of Web3 through partnerships with Web2
The executive also stated that the action expedites the implementation of Web3 solutions. He elaborated:
“If we want to accelerate the successful adoption of Web3 solutions, it’s crucial that strong partnerships are forged with exciting Web2 platforms that enable their users to quickly become familiar with the many benefits of Web3.”
Kim characterized the partnership as a significant development for TON, emphasizing its capacity to introduce practical applications for cryptocurrency. He noted that it innovatively integrates ride-hailing services, social media, and crypto payments.
Nevertheless, the executive’s response to whether it is preferable to pay with cryptocurrency or fiat was merely, “The decision is yours.”