Uber, Ola launch 'Bike Taxis' in Bengaluru

Around 500 people have signed up on Ola's platform for the Bike Taxis service.

Intensifying competition in the transportation space, Ola on Thursday launched its 'Bike Taxis' service that will offer customers ride for as low as Rs 2 per km.

Initially launched in Bengaluru, Ola launched the feature last night on its application. The minimum fare has been set at Rs 30 with Rs 2 charged per km and Re 1 per minute of trip time.

Uber's 'uberMOTO', also launched in Bengaluru on Thursday, will be priced at Rs 15 (base price), followed by Rs 3 per km and Rs 1 per min of ride-time charges.

"Bike Taxis will help users in Bengaluru get to where they want to be within minutes, especially in traffic-prone areas. We aim to enable safe pillion rides for our users with trained two-wheeler drivers at competitive fares," Ola chief operating officer Pranay Jivrajka told PTI.

It has the same experience as booking a cab through Ola app, including availability of driver details, SOS feature, live tracking and payment using Ola Money, he added.

He, however, declined to comment on the number of people who have signed up as partners for the service.

According to sources, some 500 people have signed up on Ola's platform for the Bike Taxis service.

Bike taxis as a mode of transport has been gaining prominence. Players like Baxi and N.O.W are already offering their services in the Delhi-NCR region. 

Currently, the Softbank- and Ratan Tata-backed Ola's cheapest cab ride is under 'Mini' for Rs 80 (first 4 kms), followed by Rs 10 per km and Rs 1 per min (ride time charge) in Bengaluru.

The transportation space is witnessing intense competition as the private equity-backed firms are offering discounted rides and investing heavily in getting more drivers on board.

While there is existing competition against the likes of Meru, the entry into a new segment like bike taxis will pitch Ola and Uber against new start-ups like Baxi, N.O.W and Rideji.