Four women riders in Rapido Bike taxi service

SHILLONG: In today’s world where women empowerment is being given importance, four woman riders from Shillong have come forward to be the Rapido Captains as Rapido Bike launched its services here on Tuesday.
One of the female riders said that the initiative provides an alternative for income generation as she is doing it part time.
She said that she loves riding and helping people and hence she has decided to join the services.
Another rider E Kharkongor said that she is happy as she is getting an opportunity to earn especially at a time when getting a job is difficult. Kharkongor, who is married, said that she is extremely happy to join Rapido. She also urged other women in the city to come forward and join the services where they can earn a decent livelihood. The company has helpline numbers in case of passengers or riders being harassed. There are instances when some customers in Guwahati have tried to harass the captains.
Rapido Shillong head Suman Acharjee informed that the antecedents of the riders are verified in police stations so as to ensure safety of the commuters.
The service assumes significance as the biggest challenge for any Shillongite today is negotiating traffic but with the launch of Rapido Bike taxis, the situation is expected to ease.
The Bengaluru-based organisation offers a novel take on an age-old concept of transportation by replacing the conventional four-wheeler taxis with bikes as it wants to tackle the issues that commuters face due to heavy traffic conditions, especially during the morning rush hours.
Rapido is currently offering introductory rates of just Rs 29 for every 4 kms.
Acharjee while speaking to media persons said the concept is based around providing economical, convenient and high-quality transport facilities for solo commuters, especially those who need to travel far or have to get somewhere quickly.
He informed that the App can be easily downloaded from play store in an Android or IOS phone and the commuters can book a ride by entering the pick-up and drop locations following which a rider, also known as a Rapido Captain, will come over.
As of now there are more than 150 Rapido Captains or riders who will ply in the city, including the four female riders.
The officials of the company said at present they are providing services till Laitkor, Elpahant Falls in Upper Shillong and Mawiong.
It was also informed that commuters as well as the riders are insured from Rs 30000 for minor accidents to Rs 5 and 3 lakh respectively for accidental deaths.
The fleet comprises of different versions of two –wheelers, including scooties and motorcycles.