Urban transportation is becoming increasingly expensive and uncomfortable, creating significant challenges for commuters. In many cities across Africa, rising transportation costs and a lack of affordable, comfortable ride options leave people with limited choices. According to a 2022 report by the African Development Bank, up to 35% of household income is spent on transportation in urban areas, making commuting a financial burden for many families. Meanwhile, 60% of passengers express dissatisfaction with the comfort levels provided by traditional ride-hailing services, citing overcrowded vehicles and inconsistent pricing.
Affordability, comfort, and reliability are major concerns for ride-hailing users. A 2023 Statista survey found that 65% of users are frustrated by uncomfortable rides due to overcrowding and poor seating, often forced to choose between comfort and cost. Safety is also a growing issue, with 30% of passengers reporting safety concerns, including unsafe drivers and limited emergency response options, adding stress and uncertainty to their journeys. This highlights the demand for more personalized, cost-effective, and secure transportation solutions.
In response to these growing problems, Along Transport introduces a solution designed to address the issues of affordability, comfort, and safety. “Our goal is to provide an affordable, comfortable, and secure transportation service that truly meets the needs of today’s commuters,” says Dolapo Obat, CEO of Along Transport. “We believe that passengers deserve both cost-effective rides and a comfortable experience, without compromising on safety.”
Along Transport offers two distinct ride modes that cater to the diverse needs of its users. The Conventional Along Mode allows for up to three passengers in the back and one in the front, giving riders a shared ride option that maintains comfort and space. For those who prefer a more private ride, Drop Mode provides a solo experience, reducing detours and travel time for passengers in a hurry. Both options prioritize the passenger experience, ensuring that riders no longer have to choose between cost and comfort. Along also requires both the drivers and the riders to sign up with either NIN/BVN for identity verification.
Along Transport integrates an SOS emergency system within the app, allowing passengers to directly contact police or road safety authorities in case of an emergency. “Safety is a top priority at Along,” says Dolapo, CEO of Along. “With our built-in SOS feature, passengers can feel secure knowing help is just a tap away.” This feature, combined with Along’s transparent pricing and smart driver matching, ensures that passengers enjoy peace of mind while traveling.
Since its beta launch, Along has gained widespread recognition for its commitment to solving the core problems faced by commuters. With over 1000 downloads within the first 3 weeks of it’s beta launch. Along is quickly becoming a preferred option for riders who value affordability, comfort, and safety.
As Along continues to expand into new cities, its vision of providing affordable, comfortable, and safe transportation is set to reshape urban mobility. With its focus on solving real commuter problems, Along is well on its way to becoming a game-changer in the ride-hailing industry.
