Bike and auto-rickshaw aggregator Rapido has unveiled its ambitious initiative to onboard more than 200 women drivers over the next three months. Currently, Rapido Auto employs 50 female ‘captains’ with diverse backgrounds for its ride-hailing service in the city. The company is now looking to significantly expand its team of active captains in Coimbatore through partnerships with various local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Rapido is committed to empowering these women captains and will provide them with essential safety and driving skills through a comprehensive training program developed in collaboration with the NGOs. Additionally, the company plans to introduce micro-loans and family health insurance for women auto captains in Coimbatore, further enhancing their economic security.
This initiative is expected to enable women captains to earn daily incomes ranging from Rs 800 to Rs 1,000, translating to a monthly income of Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000. Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido, emphasized the company’s commitment to fostering gender empowerment and inclusivity, stating, “Our future initiatives, including micro-loans, family health insurance, and reduced commissions, are a testament to our commitment. By providing financial support, we aim to empower women auto captains.”
Rapido has a long-standing commitment to making transportation accessible, affordable, and safe for all segments of society. This initiative is a significant step toward achieving this goal and promoting gender diversity in the ride-hailing industry.
Rapido Background: Rapido is a Bengaluru-based startup that offers bike taxis, auto-rickshaws, and delivery services. The company has seen substantial revenue growth, with revenue standing at Rs 144.8 crore during the last fiscal year, representing a 90% increase from the previous year. In addition to its core services, Rapido generates income through subscriptions and marketing activities. However, it reported widened losses of Rs 439 crore in FY22, according to its annual financial statement.
