Whichride News Roundup — Issue #1
Every week, we will cover the biggest tech stories around the world in transport, mobility and logistics. This week, we tracked a lot of stories. So hold on to your hat and jump right in.
Travelstart has launched an online bus booking platform. The platform is available at http://bus.travelstart.co.za/. Commuters can compare ticket prices for trips within South Africa or to neighbouring countries. The bus booking platform joins the plethora of options already available on Travelstart; flights, hotels, vehicle hire and holiday packages. TechMoran
In Nigeria, OBus temporarily suspended operations to change its business model. It was revealed that just like with ORide, the NURTW has made operations difficult for its drivers. OBus will be doubling down on its third-party business model. Techpoint Africa
OCar was recently added to the current verticals already available via the OPay app. OCar will take on Uber and Bolt. Its launch follows the same strategy employed with other product launches: a discounted price of N200 on trips less than N2000. Techpoint analyses the new development in this article.
Joining the ride-hailing fray in Africa is Flit Ride. Flit Ride was founded by Madagascar’s Tolotra Samuel Randriakotonjanahary to end the low driver wages on other platforms such as Uber. A look at the Flit website reveals that it charges a 5% fee, fares are set by the drivers although the fares are negotiable. Flit Ride primarily targets Madagascar, Tunisia, Mauritius, Egypt, Senegal, Botswana, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mali, Central African Republic, DR Congo and Burkina Faso. TechMoran
Techpoint Africa reports that the Kenyan regulatory authority, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has suspended the operations of Swvl. The Egyptian startup had its operations suspended over issues of noncompliance with licensing requirement.
Juno has shut down its operations in New York. The company has cited the enactment of misguided regulations in New York as part of the reasons for its closure. Its owner, Gett, the ridesharing company has entered into a strategic partnership with Lyft. The partnership is to serve its over 15,000 entreprise customers. TechCrunch
In related news, Lyft has announced that it is making 200 new long-range electric vehicles (EVs) available to rideshare drivers as part of its Express Drive program. According to TechCrunch, Express Drive is a program that Lyft offers to provide rental cars to drivers on its platform as an alternative to options like long-term leasing. Express Drive members get unlimited miles, as well as included insurance, maintenance and roadside service, with the ability to return the car after a rental period of as little as just a week.
Google Maps has announced that it is currently testing a new feature. The new feature allows users to follow Local Guides. According to Google, “when you follow one of these Local Guides, their recommendations will be surfaced to you in Google Maps, so you can get inspired with ideas of things to do and places to go.” This feature is being tested in Bangkok, Delhi, London, Mexico City, New York, Osaka, San Francisco, São Paulo and Tokyo.
Logistics and delivery startup, Ohi has raised $2.75m in a seed round led by Flybridge Capital Partners. Ohi was founded last year by Ben Jones, with a mission to democratise e-commerce by offering Amazon-level speed to smaller brands. TechCrunch
Per TechCrunch, Heetch has raised $4 million to add to its Series B round. Recall that Heetch started building its war chest to take on Uber in French-speaking countries. The startup is in France, Belgium, Morocco and the Ivory Coast, Algeria and Cameroun with plans to expand to Senegal and Tunisia in 2020.
Bolt Bikes is expanding operations to the US and the UK. According to TechCrunch, Bolt Bikes now provides its flexible subscriptions, which include vehicle servicing, in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia, San Francisco and London. The company sells its electric bikes. But the main premise is to rent them out for commercial use. The electric bikes are rented on a week-to-week contract for $39.
Other Interesting Reads
For Nigerian motorcycle-hailing startups, government seems to have abdicated regulatory responsibility — Techpoint Africa
PR pitch to Ola reveals the inner workings of UK ride-hailing politics — TechCrunch
Whew! That was a long ride. We will be back next week. This news roundup is powered by Whichride. Whichride is a price comparison app for on-demand ride-hailing services. Save money and time with Whichride.
