A new on-demand ride-hailing transportation service called Bahon has started operations in Dhaka. The startup, launched on 27th September, will provide both the motorbike and car ride to users. The service is currently only available in Dhaka Metropolitan City area.
Like any other mobility apps, you will have to install the Bahon app to request a ride. The app is currently available on the Android and iOS platforms and the company also accepts ride requests through its website. Riders can make the payment using any form of payment methods including cash, cards, or mobile wallet. “Our aim is to maintain a reputation for providing high standard services with feasible fare charges. We put freedom in your hand. The most transport options at every price point, with comfort, speed, and affordability – you can have it all at the touch of a button. Pay for your ride by choosing the most convenient method of payment”, writes the company on its website.
The company also claims to have a ‘built-in’ emergency contact system through which customers can directly call or message their relatives, hospitals and police stations if they feel unsafe on a ride along with a ‘Track Ride’ option where customers and drivers can track and share their whereabouts and details with other people by sharing a link. However, the company is receiving a lot of flakes around privacy for asking for excessive access to users’ data such as media files, call information and device history.
While the service is currently only available in Dhaka Metropolitan area, the company plans to cover other parts of the city soon and expand to Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Savar by the end of this year and other major cities such as Chittagong in 2018. The company also plans to launch trucks and ambulance service in the future.
Transportation remains a major problem in Dhaka city which has given birth to a host of mobility services including Pathao, Uber, Toma, Chalo, Sam, Oikhali, Amarbike, Amar Ride, MUV and now Bahon. It seems space is going to be even more competitive in the coming years.
Mobility has become one of most talked about industries in the world. Investors across the world have been pouring billions of dollars into ride-hailing and transportation companies across the world. This year alone, we have seen Didi Chuxing of China raise $5.5 billion to fuel its global expansion and Indonesia’s Go-Jek a $1.2 billion to fight Uber and Grab.
(Note: This is a developing story, we will update as soon as well get further information)
