Founded by a Bangladeshi, Uber like on demand ride hailing service startup Chalo launches in Dhaka today. The startup seed funded by Desh Ventures Inc-a Silicon Valley based venture firm, is offering pre-reservation and airport pickup service from today as part of their test launching in Dhaka.
Chalo App, which is the primary medium to avail the service, connects riders with Chalo drivers nearby. Once a user request a ride, nearby driver will come and pick up. Rider can make the payment through international credit card, BD credit card or by using bKash payment mechanism.
We have come to know that Chalo drivers go through a screening process to ensure security and legal qualification of the drivers. Security is an increasing concern among users of CNG and Taxicab; this will give Chalo to tap into that security fear of riders. Furthermore, the app incorporates Google map to give tracking advantage to riders and drivers both.
Although it claims of offering competitive price, given its price policy with base fair it would be difficult to keep up with the market. Top of that, the startup promises of 10 minutes ETA which is almost impossible given the traffic situation in Dhaka.
Finding car is hard work in Dhaka. During moments of need it is even harder. There are few players in market like Toma but they are more of a taxicab service provider without an app to connect riders and drivers. There has been rumor of launching of few real ride hailing service startups like Oikhali, Taxiwala for a while but none of those services launched yet.
Note: This story is not complete. Future Startup has reached out to Chalo, we’ll update this story once we get more information.