Living in a different city for studies or a job is not an easy thing. We have to manage numerous things and surviving on a tight budget is a major one. Travelling to the office or university can be tiring and costly if we opt for a cab then—BAM! Sare paise ek hi ride me furrr…!
Struggling with the same dilemma, a Bangalore techie Niladri Das Roy decided to change things for us with his application CoRider. This app is making shared travel easier and cheaper for young adults.
Backstory Time!
A few years ago, Niladri Das Roy, a techie from Bangalore, faced a dilemma with early morning flights to his hometown. The expensive cab fares were unaffordable for someone at the start of their career. Often to save money, he used to take the last bus to the airport at night. Then he waited for hours until his flight.
This experience was a mind-turning event for him and inspired him to create a tech platform aimed at improving the travel experience by making it more Affordable, Accessible, and Easy.
HOW?
By giving riders control of their rides. Just like the old days.
The Beginning of CoRider
Niladri Das Roy and his friend combined their skills to create CoRider. They used their technology and product development backgrounds to invest in the app and build a remote team to realize their vision.
What is CoRider?
CoRider enhances carpooling by linking travelers to the same destination, like an airport, through its app. Users can coordinate rides, share costs, and save money. Unlike traditional carpools, CoRider doesn’t require users to own a car; they can arrange shared cabs online or offline. Riders can choose their travel companions, unlike in aggregator ride-sharing, where the driver decides.
Carpooling? What’s New in That?
It is new because through CoRider app, users can share rides without having to own a car. Riders can arrange shared cabs and select their co-riders through the app. Isse zyada kya asan kam hoga to give us more control over their journey.
Also, CoRider connects travelers to build relationships and improve their travel experiences. Upcoming social features will boost community engagement.
Main Benefits of CoRider by Niladri Das Roy
- Clear Questions: Trip-specific questions clarify routes, timings, and preferences, reducing confusion.
- In-App Communication: This provides a chat feature for easy coordination between hosts and travelers. All this, while maintaining privacy.
- Through KYC verification riders can ensure safety through thorough identity checks.
- The Trip Scheduling with Preferences feature allows travelers to plan trips ahead of time and share their preferences. Also, for better coordination, they can also specify luggage details.
- CoRider promotes sustainability by tracking CO2 savings. Yes, it plants a tree in the its user’s name for every 1,000 kg of CO2 saved.
Furthermore, new and upcoming features will help the riders connect on the basis of shared interests, enhancing their journeys.
Also, users can rate companions and join a referral program, which helps the community grow and maintain accountability.
How to Stand in An Already Occupied Market
CoRider, launched in August 2024, began testing its app with friends and family. It currently targets airport travelers in Bangalore and plans to expand to other cities soon.
Users in Bengaluru can now book a cab directly when planning a trip on CoRider. This option is available if the trip starts within 90 minutes, is within Bengaluru, and the transport mode hasn’t been finalized. This feature makes it easier and more convenient for CoRider users.
The targeted customers are students and young professionals (18-26 years old) as they do not own vehicles while living away from the house. Moreover, majorly these are the ones looking for affordable, convenient travel options.
The startup plans to partner with PG accommodations and student hubs in metro cities to reach potential users. The app is currently free but will introduce a 10-12% commission model for sustainability.
What Next: Traveling Together
CoRider is a travel tool that not only saves money but also connects like-minded travelers, encourages relationships, and reduces environmental impact. Its eco-friendly features and community focus aim to change commuting.
The startup is now aiming to expand globally by providing a sustainable and affordable alternative to traditional transportation. After all, who doesn’t want an enjoyable and budget-friendly commute?
So, book your ride with @CoRide
