A battle of rickshaw apps shows the promise of India’s digital stack
And its challenges
IN INDIA’S STARTUP capital of Bangalore, auto-rickshaw drivers are no less prized than software engineers. Given the city’s chaotic traffic, rickshaws are sometimes the fastest way to get around. But finding one isn’t easy. Threats, pleas and moral appeals are necessary before a driver accepts a ride. The experience is no better with Ola and Uber, two ride-hailing firms which offer rickshaw services for a commission.
Help is at hand. An app called Namma Yatri, launched in November by the rickshaw drivers’ union, directly connects riders to drivers, with no commission for digital middlemen. It averages around 68,000 trips a day, from only 2,000 at the start of the year, and boasts more than 78,000 drivers and 1.4m customers on its platform.
This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline "The rickshaw wars"
Business July 22nd 2023
- Tesla’s surprising new route to EV domination
- Workplace advice from our agony uncle
- Can a Czech billionaire rescue Casino?
- The winners and losers from the $69bn Microsoft-Activision mega-deal
- Startups are producing real dairy without a cow in sight
- A battle of rickshaw apps shows the promise of India’s digital stack
- Hollywood’s blockbuster strike may become a flop
More from Business
Does Perplexity’s “answer engine” threaten Google?
Taking aim at one of the best business models of all times
How not to work on a plane
Hours without interruption and work to do. What could go wrong?
Why does BHP want Anglo American?
Its $39bn takeover offer is the latest in a string of mining mega-mergers