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Airport taxi rides are frequently seen as an unavoidable inconvenience for travelers. However, what if there was a way to significantly reduce those expenses and also find a new travel companion? Introducing Gopool, the pioneering Indian startup that is revolutionizing airport commute by transforming them into affordable carpooling adventures.
The Origin of ‘Gopool’ Idea
Gopool’s application serves as a facilitator for travelers seeking to share rides. By inputting their airport and destination with others who are heading in the same direction. This enables them to split the cost of a regular taxi or ride-hailing service such as Ola or Uber. The advantages are twofold: travelers save money, and the environment benefits from a reduction in the number of single- occupancy vehicle on the road.
The concept of GoPool was conceived by Akash Jadhav, a tech-savvy traveler, after a serendipitous encounter. While on a flight to Bengaluru last year, Jadhav overheard a fellow passenger who was also headed to Electronics City, a destination more than 50 kilometers away from the airport and coincidentally in the same direction as him. This encounter sparked an idea. Could he develop a service specifically designed for carpooling on airport journeys?
Further research confirmed Jadhav’s intuition – many airports are located far from City centers, resulting in exorbitant taxi fares for solo travelers.
Affordable Price, Affordable Ride
GoPool primarily caters to light travelers, providing a limited luggage space due to the shared journey. However, for those who pack efficiently, GoPool presents a significantly more affordable option compared to traditional taxis. The app also places a high priority on safety and security.
Users have the ability to view profiles of potential co-travelers, which include photos and ratings from previous trips. Additionally, GoPool seamlessly integrates with existing ride-hailing platforms, allowing users to select familiar services and verified drivers.
Although carpooling is not a new concept, GoPool distinguishes itself by focusing on airport trips, catering to specific niche. For travelers on a budget or those on short business trips. GoPool offers a practical and co-effective solution. The environmental benefit of carpooling, such as reducing carbon emission and elevating traffic congestion, are additional advantages particularly around busy airports.
How does Gopool Work?
GoPool provides a specialized service for airport trips, allowing users to discover co-travelers and book shared cabs with multiple stops. By splitting the total cost of the journey among themselves, this service is particularly beneficial for solo passengers who are traveling light to and from the airport.
While the Vayu Vajra bus fare offered by Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is approximately Rs 300, it does not offer door-to-door services. As a result, passengers often have to rely on auto rickshaws or taxis for the first and last-mile connectivity which can cost between Rs 1,000-1,500.
With GoPool’s model, users can add additional stops to their Ola–Uber trip, and the fare will be divided among all the users connected through the GoPool app. Furthermore, it allows users to schedule journeys for a later date.
“For example, if a user plans to travel from Indiranagar to the airport within 10 days, they can create a session in the app ahead of time. The app will display a list of users traveling on that day or notify them if anyone joins the queue,” explained Jadhav.
At present, GoPool does not provide its own taxi services, but the possibility of offering one in the future is not ruled out. As GoPool expands, it has the potential to transform the manner in which we commute to airports. Therefore, when making your next flight reservation, it would be worthwhile to explore GoPool. You may discover the benefits of ride-sharing, cost savings, and even forge new friendships during your journey.
