The app will soon replace their existing WhatsApp based car-sharing scheme that was initiated to fight back against auto drivers who refuse to ply.
After pioneering a successful community car-sharing initiative, Lift Kara De, in 2015, the founding team from Whispering Palms — a township in Lokhandwala, Kandivli — have now developed a free mobile application, with an aim to encourage like-minded Mumbaikars to replicate their model, which will help reduce pollution and congestion on city roads.
The app will soon replace their existing WhatsApp based car-sharing scheme that was initiated to fight back against auto drivers who refuse to ply. Till now, ride sharing was made possible through WhatsAapp groups, where those willing to offer a lift voluntarily had to state their destination and the number of seats available. The individuals travelling on the same route would then connect with them directly. The scheme, which began with just 25 members from the building, gradually grew to over 800 users.
While the scheme proved to be a hit, helping residents from Whispering Palms get to their respective places of work without breaking much of a sweat, the founding team soon realised that there were issues in relying solely on the WhatsApp model. Kavita Shetty, a resident of Whispering Palms and a member of the founding team, who decided to pool in to develop the app said, "I felt we needed a dedicated ride-sharing mobile app, which would not only be used by residents of our township, but anyone who wanted to replicate the idea across the city. We have also finished carrying out trials that began in January. Since the app has been developed along the lines of our existing model, users will not find it difficult to navigate."
Shetty, who is the founder of a digital marketing company and plans to release the app next week, also said, "We have focused on security as most women do not want to travel with strangers. Each member will have to register the app by keying in their Aadhaar card details. Also, a person can only be invited by an administrator, thereby ensuring no random people join the group".
Santosh Shetty, who played the lead role in getting the app off the ground in 2015, said, "The app comes with a set of colour codes and sharing options for both four and two-wheelers."
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