Taxi aggregators Ola and Uber both launched motorcycle-taxi services in Bangalore on a pilot basis on Thursday. The two companies have spanned every option in road transport, having run taxi, carpooling, ride-sharing and even autorickshaw services. The bike scheme is still in its test phase, and both operators said they would withdraw it if it is unsuccessful.
Uber's service will be called UberMoto, and will cost Rs 3 per km and Re 1 per minute of ride time with a minimum fare of Rs 15. Ola's service will cost Rs 2 per km and Re 1 per minute of ride time with a minimum fare of Rs 30. The cheap fares are expected to boost both companies' consumer bases in the world's largest two-wheeler market. The bikes will be available on the Uber and Ola apps in much the same way as the taxis are, and will accept payments in cash, card and mobile wallets.
While both companies said they expected women to use the service just as much as men, Hindustan Times reported that women in the city expressed reservations about taking a bike ride with a stranger. On the supply side, a lot of bike riders are already employed as e-commerce delivery personnel, and might not be convinced that joining the Uber or Ola services will be as profitable. The entry of Uber and Ola in the motorcycle-taxi market is also expected to put pressure on smaller startups that have already started such schemes including Hey Bob, Pilot, Rapido and Headlyt.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!