Bike taxi service launched in Shillong

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 7, 2019

SHILLONG: Rapido Bike has officially launched its operation in Shillong on Tuesday to offer a noval take on an age-old concept of transportation by replacing the conventional four-wheeler taxis with bikes.

City head Suman Acharjee while speaking to reporters said the Bengaluru-based 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 transportation to navigate through traffic snarls quickly and reach your destination on time,” he said.

He said Rapido is currently offering introductory rates of just Rs 29 for 4 per kilometre adding the user has to download the Rapido mobile app and book the ride. A rider, also known as a Rapido ‘Captain’ will come and pick you up from your location and drop you off at your desired destination.

Rapido, the largest bike taxi service, at present is operating across 40 cities in India and Shillong is its second city in the North East region after Guwahati, Assam.

Asked, the city head said in Shillong, the organisation is having over 150 captains which include four females. Two female captains were also felicitated during the launching of the service.

He informed that there has been quite a positive response from the people of the city during trial service.

On the employment aspect, Acharjee said Rapido captains can earn up to Rs 25,000 a month.