The expression ‘breaking the internet’ is rarely used in Pakistan. However with the tangible idea of calling rickshaws through only a press of a button, it might just catch on. A group of young Pakistani entrepreneurs have launched an Uber-like rickshaw app service that is quickly growing popular with commuters struggling to find transport in the swarming city of Lahore.
For the CEO of Travely- the company behind the service, rickshaws are the only convenient form of transport, but many commuters struggle to catch one during the early hours or late at night-making this app ideal. The response has been “mammoth”, the 25 year old CEO said, adding that the company was quickly expanding. “We are getting great response from the commuters and have started receiving calls even in the late night hours”- clear that this idea is a fruitful one.
These six friends were inspired to launch the service after working on a project to develop transport apps with the help of the government of Punjab. A pilot version of the service has been launched in two upscale neighbourhoods, where they are convinced that the idea to start a rickshaw app is necessary, because that is only convenient transport available in Lahore. With more than 30 percent of these rickshaw drivers having smartphones and familiar with using apps- makes the Travely model viable and almost revolutionary. If this app remains sustainable, cost effective and safe to use, it is clear that it can go a long way.
These technology advancements are a boon to the transport industry. The same model is being used for cabs. Careem cabs are available to book online, and promise fast, clean and safe transport- just by the press of an option on a smartphone app. Careem is based in UAE and has found a great market for such services in Pakistan.
The fact of the matter is that Pakistanis are fast adapting to social media technology available, and entrepreneurs can benefit no end from this and so can consumers. Startups like Travely are a wonderful development, as long as they can ensure safety and reliability of their service. With growing population and cost of owning one’s own vehicles, there is huge room for such private enterprises to expand.