Bike taxis launched in pilgrim city

Tirupati: Pilgrim city has attracted bike taxi services for the first time in the State and probably the first women driven bike taxi in the country. A start-up ‘Goootit Go’ headquartered in  Bengaluru has launched the new mode of commercial transport in Tirupati targeting  the employees, students and women to go from one place to other at affordable rates. While introducing the concept they offered free rides for three days to denizens who have shown keen interest in it..

A young entrepreneur Madineni Meghasyam was the cofounder of the start-up along with G Vishnu Priya of V-sense Nature Pvt ltd, an essential oil company. Meghasyam told The Hans India that they will launch regular bike taxi services from March at some of the important cities in the State.

“We have decided to run the services using only e-bikes which have many advantages which include low cost transport. ‘Goootit Go’ has been contemplating with two business models. For those who cannot afford any investment but only can drive, the company will provide e bike and the driver  will get Rs.10,000 to 15,000 as salary.

They need to work on contract and complete 20 rides or services per day and go back to attend other works. They can even keep the e-bike with them. They will also get Rs.3000 to 5000 towards maintenance charges. In the second model, those who wants to earn Rs.20,000 to 30,000 salary per month need to contribute in buying an e-bike and the amount will be deducted from their salaries. They are also required to complete more number of rides per day and work for 12 hours.

Meghasyam said that they are having a dialogue with petrol bunks in the city and wants to establish charging points for e bikes at seven petrol bunks. For the test drives, they have introduced 17 petrol vehicles and not e-bikes which will be pressed into service from March. To drive these vehicles nine women and eight men drivers were employed. The founders were planning to introduce the free rides at other cities also before they launch regular commercial services.