Janata Dal (Secular)-backed Namma TYGR cab service hits the road

BENGALURU: The Janata Dal (Secular)-backed Namma TYGR has launched its app-based cab service in Bengaluru with a fleet of 10,000 cabs.

The venture is an initiative of the cab drivers’ association backed by the party and Kolkata-based startup TYGR, which will provide technical support.

TYGR founder Aditya Poddar told ET hat partnering with local franchises who know the geography better will help TYGR grow quicker and gain a larger share of the market. He said the array of benefits that are being provided to the drivers such as better rates, better profit margins and insurance cover for their families, along with no surge pricing, will help them position TYGR better in the market. “We will expand the fleet in Bengaluru as it’s a huge market and contributes almost 30% to the cab segment in India,” said Poddar.

By looking to cater to both the customer and the taxi drivers with better services and benefits, Namma TYGR’s users and drivers are aiming for a more collaborative growth and deployment strategy, he said.

Launching the service, JD (S) leader and former PM, HD Deve Gowda, said: “I support the various features provided to the drivers – car maintenance, healthcare. It solves many problems faced by drivers in this ecosystem. Social initiatives such as blood donation camps by TYGR drivers are also well appreciated.”

Namma TYGR plans to introduce three categories —hatchback (Rs 12.50 per km), sedan (Rs 14.50 per km) and SUV ( Rs 18.50 per km). Outstation and rental services are expected to be launched in a month. Moreover, the company plans to launch its B2B services across the country by the end of the year.

So far, the TYGR app had presence in Mumbai, Kolkata, Ranchi and Indore. It plans to launch in Bhubaneswar in the next two months. TYGR raised pre-Series A funding of $3 million last year. The company is in talks for its next round of fundraising.