Cab aggregator service TaxiForSure has launched an experimental car-pooling service. To begin with, the service is available from Brigade Apartment complex in J.P. Nagar 10th Phase to ITPL between 8.30 a.m. and 9 a.m.
“Traffic is a major hassle in Bengaluru. Others also have tried out car pooling but, we believe we will be able to pull it through,” said Raghunandan G., founder and director of TaxiForSure. He said the fact that the customers are from the same apartment complex obviates the fear some users have of travelling with strangers.
The company is also collecting feedback to address the concerns of users.
It all started with the company’s data algorithm detecting that 22 people booked the cab around the same time to travel from Brigade Apartment in JP Nagar 10th Phase to ITPL.
“When we chanced upon a pattern, we approached the regular users and got them to be part of the initiative. The project aims at understanding the operational challenges and anxiety levels of customers,” added Mr. Raghunandan.
As far as the fare is concerned, those choosing to be part of the car pooling project will not have to pay the full amount as they will be given at least 40 per cent discount.
But the company is not providing equal sharing opportunity. “We are not providing a 50:50 sharing opportunity as the drivers also need an incentive to participate in the project. Once the project becomes successful, we will launch it across the city for which we will upgrade our software technology as well,” he said.
TaxiForSure is mulling over an autorickshaw service as well, along with its cab service. Its competitor, Ola, is already providing the service with around 2,000 autorickshaws.
