From Our Special Correspondent
GUWAHATI: Commuters in the city can now book a two-wheeler ride from their smart phones, with app-based ‘bike taxis’ making its debut in the Northeast.
Bengaluru-based start-up, Rapido Bike Taxi launched its operations here on Monday, offering a novel take on an age-old concept of transportation by replacing the conventional four-wheeler taxis with bikes.
“Guwahati is the 17th city where Rapido has expanded its operations. This concept of an app-based two-wheeler ride is based on providing reliable, economical, convenient and high-quality transport for solo commuters, especially those who need to travel far or reach their destinations in quick time,” Bharath T, operations head for Rapido, told The Shillong Times here on Monday.
Assam minister, Sidhartha Bhattacharya launched the service and urged the service provider to take utmost care of traffic rules and regulations including making use of helmets compulsory for both riders on the two wheeler.
Rapido’s services have been widely received in South India, and the company is looking to expand its reach across the country gradually.
“Commuters have to negotiate heavy traffic conditions during the rush hours. So the option that Rapido gives is to hail a two-wheeler instead of a car or public transport to navigate through the traffic snarls quickly and reach your destination on time,” he said.
People who wish to take the service have to download the Rapido mobile app on their smart phones to book a ride. The service provider charges a base fare of Rs 15 in addition to a distance charge Rs 3 per km.
Apart from prompt and economical travel for solo commuters and last-mile connectivity, employment opportunities with flexible timings too are up for grabs.
“Rapido has already employed 200 captains (riders) in Guwahati. People can sign up as captains and earn a decent living. Currently, many Rapido captains earn up to Rs 25,000 a month. The company offers its captains a part of the cost of the ride, along with many other benefits. Many are part-timers as well. We are also looking at hiring female captains like we have done in some other cities,” the company official said.
“We ensure that all our captains are legitimate owners of the bike with a valid driving license. The company also issues shower caps and helmets to all its captains and customers and puts great emphasis on road safety rules and hygiene,” he said.
On its Northeast expansion plans, Bharath said, “We plan to expand to other cities in the region, including Shillong, after a review of the response to the service here,”
D. Sarma, a part-timer, said, “I work in a hotel here. Now, this service gives me a chance to earn extra money in the morning hours.”