India-based cab-hailing service provider Ola is reportedly all set to launch its services in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington in the coming weeks. Reports indicate that the company is currently scouting for drivers.
To head this new unit in New Zealand, the company has roped in Brian Dewil, founder of local courier start-up Urban Sherpa as Country Manager. In a statement, he said, “We see a real opportunity in New Zealand to provide a fair alternative in the rideshare space for both customers and drivers.”
Ola’s Chief Executive Bhavish Aggarwal said:
We see an opportunity in New Zealand to provide a fair alternative in the rideshare space for both customers and drivers. We invested in understanding the New Zealand customer and have devised the strategy to meet their transport needs.
In New Zealand, where Uber and Zoomy already has a strong foothold, Ola is entering with an emphasis on their relationship with drivers. It’ll be offering an introductory per-ride commission of 9 percent. On the other hand, Zoomy charges 15 percent, while Uber charges 20-25 percent per ride.
Along with its services in India, Ola has also recently expanded its cab-hailing service to the UK and Australia. The company claims to have more than 125 million users taking over 1 billion rides per year.
Ola will be competing against the likes of Uber, Zoomy and DriverHer — a female-only ridesharing startup, among others.
