Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Feb 4: Bengaluru-based organisation ‘Rapido Bike’ has officially launched its operations in Mangaluru. On Monday, February 4, Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath flagged off Rapido Bike two wheeler service at Clock Tower, as a part of road safety week.
Kamath distributed helmets in order to create awareness on use of helmet while riding.
Rapido bike service started operations in Mangaluru since December 26; in this period the organisation has distributed over 100 helmets to the motorists.
Rapido Bike offers a novel take on an age-old concept of transportation by replacing the conventional four-wheeler taxis with bikes. Rapido’s services have been widely appreciated in South India, and the company is aspiring to expand its reach across the country gradually.
The main aim of Rapido is to provide economical, cost-effective, fuel-efficient and time-saving transport. The organisation wants to tackle the issues that commuters face due to heavy traffic conditions, especially during the morning rush hours. It offers commuters the alternative option of a bike instead of a car or public transport to navigate through traffic snarls quickly and reach one’s destination on time.
Rapido Mobile App
Commuters need to download the Rapido Mobile app to book the ride. A rider, also known as a Rapido ‘Captain’ will pick the traveler from the location and drop him/her at the desired destination.
Tariff
With its recent launch in Mangaluru, Rapido is currently offering introductory rates of just Rs 15 for 3 Km. It aims to simplify commuting for a resident of Mangaluru enabling them to navigate the small roads and traffic snarls conveniently.
Rs 15 is the base price, Rs 3 will be charged per km up to 6 kilometre after which every kilometre will be charged at Rs 5.
Rapido ensures that all its Captains are legitimate owners of the bike with a valid driving license. The company also issues shower caps and helmets to all its Captains and customers and puts great emphasis on road safety rules and regulations.
Rapido head Bharath said, “The Rapido concept revolves around providing economical, convenient and high-quality transport facilities for solo commuters, especially those who need to travel far or have to get somewhere quickly. It can be someone who’s late for an exam or needs to get to a hospital for an appointment or in the event of an emergency. In such cases, a bike is invariably faster than a car or a bus. However, not everyone might have a bike or know how to ride one. That’s where Rapido comes into the picture. Our services are currently available in Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Bhopal, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mysore, Gurgaon and 25 Other Cities in India.”
Bharath spoke about the employment opportunities the novel initiative offers. People can sign up as Captains and earn a decent living. Currently, many Rapido Captains in India earn up to Rs 20,000 a month. Rapido offers its Captains a part of the ride cost, along with many other benefits. It also offers citizens the option of a faster, economical and easy-to-use commute, he added.
Rapido has started its service in Mangaluru and the taxi service is available across Mangaluru, Adyar, Surathkal, Jeppinamogaru.