Two-Wheeler Ride-Hailing App Brings Budget-Friendly Shared Taxi Rides to Bengaluru Airport

Rapido, a ride-hailing application, is gearing up to introduce a new service that will allow passengers traveling to Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) to share taxi rides. This move, announced by Rapido's co-founder Aravind Sanka, aims to make airport commutes more budget-friendly by offering pool taxi services starting early next year.

Currently, the platform provides shared auto services along specific routes. This initiative is part of Rapido's broader strategy to enhance shared mobility and offer transportation options at lower rates, thereby making travel more accessible to a wider audience.

Aravind Sanka shared details of the upcoming service at the Bengaluru Tech Summit during the EV & Future of Mobility session. He highlighted that to make transportation accessible to the general public, affordability is key.

According to Sanka, optimizing and sharing the existing resources is the most effective way to achieve this without the need for new infrastructure. He pointed out that a single vehicle could accommodate multiple passengers, indicating Rapido's focus on maximizing resource use. Sanka also mentioned the company's auto pooling service already in operation in Bengaluru, which will soon be complemented by the airport pooling service, aiming to reduce the cost burden on passengers who otherwise pay substantial amounts for private trips from the airport to the city.

The challenges surrounding the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on batteries and the importance of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) were other crucial topics discussed at the summit. Shan MS, co-founder and COO of Namma Yatri, stressed the significance of leveraging DPI and open networks for the electrification of the mobility sector. He emphasized the need for a collaborative approach rather than relying on individual company efforts. This shared approach could facilitate users in finding charging stations, accessing services, and making payments effortlessly, irrespective of the service provider.

Anant Badjatia, CEO of InfoFast, a joint venture between Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and SUN Mobility, called attention to the need for unified policies between the central and state governments. He pointed out the obstacle created by the 18% GST on battery swapping, which he believes hampers the industry's growth. Badjatia advocated for a simplified process for establishing charging or swapping stations, including a single window clearance system, to propel the industry forward.

The discussions at the Bengaluru Tech Summit underscored the consensus among mobility players about the critical role of shared mobility in fostering sustainable urban living. Efficient utilization of assets and vehicles, coupled with the creation of job opportunities, was identified as essential for India's growth. The advancement of shared mobility solutions, such as Rapido's upcoming pool taxi service to KIA, is seen as a step towards achieving these goals.