Swvl distance travel - Afrikan Heroes

Startup SWVL Offers Free Rides To Kenyan Shoppers And Those Who Must Work

March 29, 2020

SWVL is offering Kenyan commuters free rides for food supplies and essential travels for those in critically needed jobs during this Coronavirus crisis period.

“We are here to support our fellow Kenyans during this difficult time for our country. We will continue to operate on many high-traffic routes, to enable people shop for food supplies and continue with essential travel.” SWVL general manager in Kenya Dip Patel said.

Here Is All You Need To Know

The offer, by the online passenger service vehicle firm is however only available in areas with the most demand for necessary commutes.
He said users will receive notification of these routes via their app but encouraged users to stay home and avoid non-essential commuting.
The company is limiting its normal operations but ensuring it will provide “must-have routes” services to cover areas with demand for necessary commutes during this time of crisis.
Commuters that must travel for essential work will use the free ride service by using the HERE4YOU promotional code and free rides will also be reflected in the SWVL app.
SWVL has also adopted new measures to operate in line with the directives issued in regard to public transport.

In accordance with the directive to limit the number of passengers per vehicle, the company will cap each vehicle’s booking capacity at 60 per cent.
This will ensure enough space for social distancing in each vehicle, additionally, all vehicles will maintain an open window policy to aid in decreasing the risk of contracting the virus and hand sanitisers will also be made available to bus operators for their passengers.
The company is urging commuters to make use of their in-app wallet, whenever needed, as a cashless payment option for their trips to limit the exchange of physical currency.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award-winning writer.
He could be contacted at udohrapulu@gmail.com

SWVL Launches Long-distance Trips In Kenya

January 8, 2020

SWVL general manager, Kenya Shivachi Muleji

Egypt’s SWVL is starting this year on a good note. In Kenya, SWVL just marked its venture outside Nairobi, in what would be the longest distance ever embarked upon by the startup.

“Long distance travel is a viable business segment for us and you will see a lot more investment into it as we get into this year,” SWVL general manager, Kenya Shivachi Muleji said.

Here Is All You Need To Know

Eldoret becomes SWVL’s latest town in Kenya after the ride-sharing startup launched its commuter services to Naivasha, Meru and Nakuru routes days to the Christmas holidays.
Also added to the multiple routes from Nairobi’s central business district, are the Ruai, Kiserian and Ngong routes. These new routes would add to the startup’s previous 55 connections.
SWVL reduced its operations over the Christmas holidays citing low demand, resuming full operations on Monday.
The fare from Nairobi to Eldoret is Sh1,200 ($11.9) while travelling to Nakuru or Naivasha from the capital city costs Sh1,000($10) on each of the routes.

“When you think about the level of travel between Nairobi and Nakuru, for example, on a daily basis, you start to see why we would invest in it. Our core market will always remain the Nairobi commuter, but we will seek growth in new business areas.” Shivachi Muleji said.

Back From Suspension

In October 2019, Digital public transport services SWVL and Little Shuttle were asked to cease operations or face arrests for operating under Tour Service License but engaging in commuter services.

SWVL has since resumed service after this period of disruption that followed the firm’s move to have the buses comply with the National Transport and Safety Authority rules

The company was required to have the buses using its platform registered and adhere to matatu regulations. These include having a public service vehicle licence, a yellow line on the buses and displaying route name and number. Its users book trips on phone and are notified of the nearest pick-up point, price and timing.

Charles Rapulu Udoh

Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer who has advised startups across Africa on issues such as startup funding (Venture Capital, Debt financing, private equity, angel investing etc), taxation, strategies, etc. He also has special focus on the protection of business or brands’ intellectual property rights ( such as trademark, patent or design) across Africa and other foreign jurisdictions.
He is well versed on issues of ESG (sustainability), media and entertainment law, corporate finance and governance.
He is also an award winning writer.
He could be contacted at udohrapulu@gmail.com