Yandex's Yango Now Welcomes Independent Taxi Drivers

Russian Nasdaq-listed company Yandex N.V. will start offering Israeli taxi drivers direct access to its taxi-hailing app Yango, according to one person familiar with the matter who spoke to Calcalist on condition of anonymity. Until now, the company had worked with drivers only through taxi companies. The new policy will offer all independent, unaffiliated drivers the option of working directly with Yango.

Aram Sargsyan, Yandex Taxi's regional general manager of EMEA and the Russian commonwealth, confirmed the details to Calcalist following a request for comment. The new protocol will allow drivers to work directly with Yango according to the same commissions and methods a standard taxi company enjoys, Sargsyan said in a statement.

Earlier this week, Israel announced new restrictions in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), such as forbidding gatherings of more than 100 people and mandating a two-week home-quarantine for anyone returning from abroad . Yango has issued specific instructions to its drivers regarding the outbreak, Sargsyan said, and is responding to the situation as it evolves. As people have been shying away from using public transportation, more and more have been turning to taxis, he added.

Earlier this month, Yaniv Alfi, the general manager of Yango Israel, announced his resignation. Alfi will remain with the company for three extra months as a business advisor to "help with handing over the tasks." His successor has yet to be named.