Ola, a leading mobility company, is set to launch a premium service called Prime Plus, offering top cars and drivers with no cancellations, according to a tweet by co-founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal. The service will initially be available to select customers in Bengaluru, with Aggarwal personally using and sharing his experiences of the service on Twitter.
While the pricing details of Prime Plus were not disclosed, a screenshot shared by Aggarwal shows that the cost of the trip is cheaper than the existing Mini and other cab categories on the Ola platform. However, sources suggest that Prime Plus is likely to have a higher price point compared to other categories.
It is important to note that Prime Plus will be separate from Ola’s upcoming electric vehicle (EV) cab service, which is expected to be piloted in Bengaluru with around 1,000 cabs. The EV service will be available as a separate category on the Ola app.
Ola has faced challenges recently, with its valuation being marked down by existing investors. In May, it was reported that funds managed by US investment firm Vanguard marked down Ola’s valuation by 35% to $4.8 billion. In response, Ola has been streamlining its operations and focusing on its core ride-hailing business, discontinuing verticals such as food and grocery delivery and second-hand car sales.
The introduction of Prime Plus reflects Ola’s efforts to enhance its service offerings and cater to customers’ preferences for premium experiences. As the pilot begins in Bengaluru, users will have the opportunity to experience the new service and provide feedback, shaping its future expansion and potential availability in other cities.
