Rapido, a popular ride-hailing startup, has recently announced a partnership with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to offer a unique new feature for its users in Chennai. The Bengaluru-based company, which already provides cabs, autos, and bikes for commuters, will now allow users to book tickets for the Chennai Metro Rail through its app.
This initiative, which is currently available for Android users with an iOS update on the way, aims to provide a seamless and convenient experience for commuters by integrating multiple modes of transportation within the Rapido app. By partnering with ONDC, Rapido is taking a significant step towards making transportation more accessible and convenient for millions of Chennai residents.
ONDC, an initiative of the commerce and industry ministry, is a network designed to enable small retailers and other companies to integrate digital commerce into their business models. By partnering with ONDC, Rapido is not only enhancing its own services but also contributing to the larger narrative of a digitally empowered India.
Through this partnership, consumers will have access to a wide range of transportation options, including bike taxis, cabs, autos, and metro tickets, all through the Rapido app. This comprehensive approach to commuting is expected to streamline the daily travel experience for Chennai residents and make it more affordable and convenient.
Rapido co-founder Aravind Sanka expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that introducing metro ticket bookings on the Rapido app is a significant milestone in the company’s journey to provide holistic commuting solutions. He emphasized that the collaboration with ONDC aligns with their vision of making transportation more accessible and will expand the company’s capabilities in multi-modal logistics.
The impact of this partnership is not limited to the convenience of commuters. Thiur M.A. Siddique, Managing Director of CMRL, highlighted how the partnership with ONDC will allow CMRL to open up access to its ticketing application service, enabling a wide range of app developers to integrate their apps with the ticketing system. This move is expected to encourage other metro rail companies, metropolitan transport companies, and paratransit operators to connect to the open network in the near future.
The introduction of metro ticket bookings on the Rapido app is a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation and improving the daily commute experience for its users. By offering a range of transportation options and integrating metro ticket bookings, Rapido is making it easier for commuters to plan their daily travels and reducing the hassle associated with using multiple apps or services for different modes of transportation.
This initiative also has the potential to significantly boost metro ticket purchases, with Rapido expecting an increase of at least 15% in metro ticket sales. With the Chennai Metro Rail seeing 2.66 lakh passengers in 2023, the integration of metro ticket bookings on the Rapido app is likely to have a substantial impact on the daily commute for a large number of people in the city.
Overall, the partnership between Rapido and ONDC is a positive development for commuters in Chennai, as well as for the broader goal of making transportation more accessible and convenient. By simplifying the process of booking metro tickets and integrating multiple modes of transportation within its app, Rapido is demonstrating its commitment to providing comprehensive and user-friendly commuting solutions.