Mumbai might not have become Shanghai, like our ministers wanted a few years ago, but we sure are way up there in terms of traffic and pollution. And before things get as bad as they are in Delhi, maybe we can start taking small steps ourselves. The easiest of these is carpooling and if you’re at all curious about how to start, this guide is for you!
Carpooling is an efficient alternative way to travel to work every day. Plus, it will not only help you save money, but will also reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Here’s our take on 4 smart apps offering just that.
LiftO
Started in September last year, this carpool app allows platform less travel. This means that you can share a ride in a cab, auto or even your own car. They started with their first route between Powai to Andheri and later expanded up to Thane, thus completing the belt. The app allows you to either be a lift taker or a lift giver, but both parties should be riding solo to ensure that only the registered user hails a ride. The information for your profile is synced with LinkedIn and can be seen when you post a request for a ride. The charges vary between Rs 6 to 7 per km based on the platform you are opting for and you can make a payment using the Paytm wallet.
Good For: Last minute trips
Download the app here
Tripda
If you frequent between Mumbai-Pune, this carpool option is for you. Similar to BlahBlah cabs, Tripda allows intercity travel on a sharing basis. The advantage is that it’s faster than trains and buses. The app works on real time basis and you can spot your carpool option via the app, which enables search based on the proximity of the car owner from your location and the number of co-passengers they are willing to sign for the ride. To ensure safety of the guests, everyone is graded on a rating system. The cost for the rides is predefined and is flashed on the app when you are booking, making it crystal clear.
Good For: Intercity trips
Download the app here
Cityflo
If you aren’t a great fan of public transport, chances of you hailing a BEST bus (that too in peak hours) is next to impossible. Our buses are extremely crowded and to get in you need to battle your way in, but Cityflo is an alternative to that. The startup runs well maintained buses on fixed routes and you can book yourself a seat on any of them via their app. Currently, they have multiple buses running across various routes, but if you have a particular route in mind, suggest it to them and once they have enough sign-ups for it, they will make the ride regular. You can track the bus via GPS on the app and can pay through an online wallet. The app is also looking at starting monthly pass systems soon.
P.S: Year old start up Limo (earlier called rBus) works on a similar model.
Good For: Regular commuters
Download the app here
SmartMumbaikar
This initiative started a year back and now has over a lakh carpools every month. To avail of their services, you need to log on to their website and punch in the required details along with your mobile number as well as official email address. Once your email address is verified, based on your daily commute route, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with people who share a similar route. The team manages up to 100 WhatsApp groups, and charge Rs 2.5 per kilometre. If on a given day you want to skip the ride or take up an alternate route, you can call their helpline a day in advance and they will try to accommodate it for you.
Good For: Office goers
Sign up here
Mumbai might not have become Shanghai, like our ministers wanted a few years ago, but we sure are way up there in terms of traffic and pollution. And before things get as bad as they are in Delhi, maybe we can start taking small steps ourselves. The easiest of these is carpooling and if you’re at all curious about how to start, this guide is for you!
Carpooling is an efficient alternative way to travel to work every day. Plus, it will not only help you save money, but will also reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Here’s our take on 4 smart apps offering just that.
LiftO
Started in September last year, this carpool app allows platform less travel. This means that you can share a ride in a cab, auto or even your own car. They started with their first route between Powai to Andheri and later expanded up to Thane, thus completing the belt. The app allows you to either be a lift taker or a lift giver, but both parties should be riding solo to ensure that only the registered user hails a ride. The information for your profile is synced with LinkedIn and can be seen when you post a request for a ride. The charges vary between Rs 6 to 7 per km based on the platform you are opting for and you can make a payment using the Paytm wallet.
Good For: Last minute trips
Download the app here
Tripda
If you frequent between Mumbai-Pune, this carpool option is for you. Similar to BlahBlah cabs, Tripda allows intercity travel on a sharing basis. The advantage is that it’s faster than trains and buses. The app works on real time basis and you can spot your carpool option via the app, which enables search based on the proximity of the car owner from your location and the number of co-passengers they are willing to sign for the ride. To ensure safety of the guests, everyone is graded on a rating system. The cost for the rides is predefined and is flashed on the app when you are booking, making it crystal clear.
Good For: Intercity trips
Download the app here
Cityflo
If you aren’t a great fan of public transport, chances of you hailing a BEST bus (that too in peak hours) is next to impossible. Our buses are extremely crowded and to get in you need to battle your way in, but Cityflo is an alternative to that. The startup runs well maintained buses on fixed routes and you can book yourself a seat on any of them via their app. Currently, they have multiple buses running across various routes, but if you have a particular route in mind, suggest it to them and once they have enough sign-ups for it, they will make the ride regular. You can track the bus via GPS on the app and can pay through an online wallet. The app is also looking at starting monthly pass systems soon.
P.S: Year old start up Limo (earlier called rBus) works on a similar model.
Good For: Regular commuters
Download the app here
SmartMumbaikar
This initiative started a year back and now has over a lakh carpools every month. To avail of their services, you need to log on to their website and punch in the required details along with your mobile number as well as official email address. Once your email address is verified, based on your daily commute route, you will be added to a WhatsApp group with people who share a similar route. The team manages up to 100 WhatsApp groups, and charge Rs 2.5 per kilometre. If on a given day you want to skip the ride or take up an alternate route, you can call their helpline a day in advance and they will try to accommodate it for you.
Good For: Office goers
Sign up here