TADA Partners with TON Foundation to Launch Telegram Mini App for Ride-Hailing Payments in Crypto

Introduction of TADA Mini on Telegram

Southeast Asia ride-hailing platform TADA has partnered with TON Foundation to introduce a new Telegram mini app, TADA mini. This innovative app enables users to book rides directly through Telegram, eliminating the need for additional sign-ups or app downloads. Payments can be made using Toncoin or USDT on the TON blockchain, according to a statement shared with The Block.

Bridging Web2 and Web3 Solutions

Harvey Kim, Head of Korea at TON Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration between web2 and web3 platforms:
“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.” He also highlighted the partnership as a significant milestone for the continued expansion of TON blockchain across Southeast Asia.

Demonstrating the New Service

To showcase its new TADA mini app, TADA is teaming up with the TON Foundation to offer 4,000 free rides during the TOKEN2049 crypto conference in Singapore from September 14 to 18, 2024.

This initiative is designed to highlight how easy and practical it is to use digital assets for everyday services, like ride-hailing. By booking rides directly through Telegram and paying with Toncoin or USDT on the TON blockchain, conference attendees will get a first-hand experience of how seamlessly blockchain technology can integrate into their daily lives.

This move not only promotes crypto adoption but also demonstrates how web3 solutions can simplify real-world applications. The 4,000 complimentary rides offer a tangible way to show that paying for services with cryptocurrencies is no longer a futuristic concept—it's happening now.

TADA's Vision for Digital Assets in Transportation

James Yang, CIO of MVL (TADA’s parent company), spoke about the company’s focus on integrating innovations that benefit both riders and drivers.
“TADA mini not only simplifies ride-hailing but also prepares for the future by enabling the use of digital assets in real-world applications. Looking ahead, TADA mini plans to expand into new regions, aiming to provide this service to a wider audience,” Yang said.

Expansion Plans for TADA

Founded in 2018, TADA has quickly established itself in the ride-hailing market, currently operating in Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. With its user-friendly platform and focus on innovation, TADA has become a popular choice for both riders and drivers in the region.

The company isn’t slowing down either—by the end of this year, TADA plans to expand its services to Hong Kong, further strengthening its presence in Asia. This move underscores TADA’s commitment to growth, as it seeks to bring its crypto-friendly ride-hailing solution to an even wider audience.

Growth of Telegram Mini Apps in the Web3 Ecosystem

Telegram has recently expanded its offerings within the web3 space by launching mini apps—lightweight, web-based applications accessible directly through its platform. Alongside a growing crypto user base, the messaging app now includes a mini-app store and a web3-supported in-app browser, fueling the rise of tap-to-earn games on the TON blockchain like Hamster Kombat, Notcoin, and Yescoin.

Conclusion: The Future of Ride-Hailing in Web3

TADA's partnership with TON Foundation signifies a pivotal step towards integrating web3 technologies into everyday services. By offering ride-hailing payments through cryptocurrencies, TADA is positioning itself as a forward-thinking player in the transport industry. As more web2 platforms explore web3 solutions, the future looks promising for the seamless fusion of digital assets and real-world applications.