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Rapido – Navigating traffic one bike at a time
Founded in 2015 by Aravind Sanka, Pavan Guntupalli, and Rishikesh SR, Rapido is India’s largest bike taxi platform.
Their story is as dynamic as the rides they offer.
Let’s talk about Rapido, zipping through congested city streets and offering a faster, affordable way to get around.
The idea sprang from a common urban frustration—endless traffic jams and the lack of efficient last-mile connectivity.
Enter Rapido—a bike taxi service that could weave through traffic, reduce travel time, and offer rides at a fraction of the cost of cabs.
Building the platform
Rapido’s model is straightforward yet ingenious.
They onboard “Captains”, the rider-partners who use their own bikes to ferry passengers.
The app finds the nearest available ride for the passengers, calculates fares, and also handles payments.
Safety was a top priority from day one. Rapido provides:
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- Helmets and disposable caps for safety and hygiene.
- SOS buttons for quick access to emergency services within the app.
- Thorough background checks of Captains before they start riding.
Overcoming challenges
Introducing bike taxis wasn’t without hurdles.
Regulatory frameworks varied across states, and in some places, bike taxis weren’t legally recognized.
Rapido had to navigate these complexities, often engaging with policymakers to advocate for new regulations that would accommodate this innovative mode of transport.
They faced competition from industry giants, who also launched bike taxi services.
However, Rapido’s focus on Tier II and Tier III cities gave them an edge.
They tapped into markets where the big players hadn’t fully penetrated, offering employment opportunities and convenient transport options.
Adapting during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought urban mobility to a halt. Rapido quickly adapted by launching:
- Rapido Auto: Allowing users to book auto-rickshaws via the app.
- Rapido Delivery: A hyperlocal delivery service helping businesses and individuals send packages across the city.
These pivots not only kept their Captains engaged but also addressed new market needs arising from lockdowns and social distancing norms.
Growth and Milestones
As of 2023, Rapido operates in over 100 cities across India. They raised substantial funding from multiple investors and expanded their services to include:
- Bikes and autos on an hourly basis.
- Electric bikes into their fleet, promoting sustainable transport.
Empowering the gig economy
Rapido has been a significant player in India’s gig economy.
By offering flexible earning opportunities to thousands of Captains, they have had a social impact beyond mere transportation.
Many riders are students or individuals seeking supplementary income, and Rapido provides them with a platform that is easy to join and operate.
Customer-centric approach
User experience is at the heart of Rapido’s operations. The app is easy to navigate along with promotions that helped in customer acquisition and retention.
Looking ahead
Rapido plans to strengthen its presence in current markets and enter new ones, including internationally.
Their success shows how they identified a need and created a smart solution tailored to local demands.
Rapido has stayed strong despite facing regulatory and competitive challenges by continuously adapting to changes.
So next time you’re in a hurry and need to beat the traffic, remember that a Rapido Captain is nearby, ready to take you on a quick and easy bike ride!
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With over 17 years of experience in Sales, Marketing, Team Building, Mentoring, and Client Servicing, Saurabh has built a strong foundation in driving business growth and strategic development.
He is the Founder of Mostech Digicom (formerly known as Mostech Softwares), where he played a pivotal role in establishing the project team from scratch. Over the last decade, he has successfully led the content strategy team, delivering impactful results and helping brands strengthen their digital presence.
Saurabh has recently expanded his expertise by leading two new ventures—IndianSportsBuzz.com and FocusStartup.com—both designed to cater to dynamic industries, providing valuable insights and resources for their respective audiences.
Academically, Saurabh holds a B.Sc. degree in Computer Applications (Hons.) and a Postgraduate degree in Business Management (Marketing). His ability to blend technology, marketing, and business acumen makes him a visionary leader in the digital space.
With his deep industry knowledge and leadership experience, Saurabh continues to drive innovation, mentor teams, and build strategies that create lasting success for businesses.
