Trans-Asia introduces chatbot TASHA

• Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc. launched a Facebook (FB) Messenger chatbot designed to engage passengers in a real-time booking experience and allows them to easily check trip schedules

• TASHA or TASLI Happy Assistant also allows passengers to check recent news and promotions of TASLI, get information on tourist attractions in the shipping line’s areas of operations, and access frequently asked questions about passage and cargoes

• Passengers can also instantly book and pay for a trip through mobile wallet GCash or credit card

• Sister shipping lines Starlite Ferries and SuperCat are targeting to deploy their own chatbots before the year ends

Trans-Asia Shipping Lines, Inc. (TASLI) has introduced a Facebook Messenger chatbot called TASHA or TASLI Happy Assistant that will offer passengers a real-time booking experience and allow them to check trip schedules.

With TASHA, passengers can also check recent news and promotions of TASLI, get information on tourist attractions in the shipping line’s areas of operations, and access frequently asked questions about passage and cargoes.

Passengers can instantly book and pay for a trip through mobile wallet GCash or credit card.

Chryss Alfonsus Damuy, president and chief executive officer of TASLI parent firm Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Corp. (CLC), said in a statement: “With the passengers’ busy schedule and evolving needs, they are always looking for faster and secure ways to book their travels. The Chelsea Group is pleased to deliver automated customer support, informative content, and interactive experience through the TASHA Chatbot. This is part of our continuous efforts to improve our customer service by making sea travel accessible and stress-free.”

TASLI general manager Sheila Sy said the shipping line usually receives an average of 100 queries daily across their communication channels, including e-mail, Facebook Messenger, hotlines, and SMS, which were previously handled manually.

“Now that we have TASHA, we are happy for our passengers and also for customer service representatives. TASHA Chatbot is an efficient AI [artificial intelligence] that eliminates human errors and provides seamless booking experience for our passengers. For our customer service team, the TASHA Chatbot gives them more time to focus on more strategic tasks like developing more client-centric programs onboard,” Sy said.

CLC technology department head Efren Bernardino said the group’s strategy is to be present where customers spend most of their time doing their daily tasks.

“Based on Facebook’s global advertising audience reach numbers published in July 2022, the Philippines has at least 56.5 million active Facebook Messenger users. Investing in the latest technology is worth it as we reach our customers through FB Messenger, one of the world’s top social platforms,” Bernardino said.

TASHA chatbot was developed in collaboration with Aiah, a marketplace that brings together companies needing AI and developers building AI.

Following TASLI’s Chatbot TASHA, CLC’s two other shipping lines, Starlite Ferries and SuperCat, are targeting to deploy their own chatbots namely, Stella and Cath, respectively, before the year ends.