Kolkata's Yatri Sathi is rapidly becoming the ride-hailing platform of choice among taxi drivers, overtaking competitors like Ola and Uber. Launched in July 2023 at Howrah Station and Kolkata Airport, the innovative platform currently boasts over 89,000 active drivers who have collectively completed more than 80,56,079 trips, amassing significant earnings.
Drivers using Yatri Sathi have collectively earned around Rs 216.6 crore, with the app attracting attention for its distinct zero-commission model. This unique approach allows drivers to pocket the full fare paid by passengers without losing a significant portion to commissions, which is often seen with other ride-hailing services. A local taxi driver expressed this sentiment directly, stating, "With Yatri Sathi, we do not lose a big chunk of our earnings to commissions." This model has proved favorable among drivers, contributing to the surge of Yatri Sathi's popularity.
According to data, Yatri Sathi commands attention with over 32,89,122 registered users and has fielded 4.14 crores of fare estimate searches. Notably, the platform exhibits impressive efficiency, with nearly 19.5% of fare estimates converting to actual completed rides.
Despite its rapid growth, the Kolkata Ola Uber App Cab Operators and Drivers’ Union, which is affiliated with CITU, pointed out some challenges. Indrajit Ghosh, the president of the union, acknowledged the platform’s growing popularity among drivers due to improved fare returns but mentioned, “The app still has a smaller customer base compared to other platforms. Expanding the user base is important.” He indicated concerns about finding passengers outside high-traffic areas such as railway stations and airports, underscoring the need for Yatri Sathi to extend its reach.
Yatri Sathi's influence isn't limited to Kolkata alone. The app has seen traction beyond the urban center; for example, 835 active drivers from nearby Durgapur earned Rs 92.28 lakh from 56,383 trips. Siliguri stands out with 7,530 active drivers completing 84,000 trips and generating Rs 10.06 crore. There's substantial momentum as the app continues to offer several options beyond conventional taxi services, including bike-taxis, rental services, two-wheeler package deliveries, and bus ticket availability for 12 routes under the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC).
Further diversifying its portfolio, Yatri Sathi also enables ticket bookings for several local attractions, like Alipore Zoo and Eco Park, and even ferry ticketing from the Millennium Park Shipping Jetty. Plans for the future include introducing the “Where is My Bus” feature, allowing users to track buses live. The government aims to bolster safety and operational efficiency by monitoring driver behavior for speeding and deviations.
State transport officials appear optimistic about Yatri Sathi's future, indicating their commitment to enhancing the app's features and market penetration. A transport department official stated, “We will continue to take steps to improve the app’s popularity,” reflecting the government’s support for the platform and its initiatives aimed at benefiting drivers.
Yatri Sathi’s quick ascent among Kolkata’s taxi drivers highlights the clash between traditional ride-hailing giants and innovative alternatives. This shift not only empowers drivers economically but also promises to improve service options for passengers through competitive pricing and expanded services. The call for growth and expansion from within the ranks of drivers speaks volumes about the efficacy of Yatri Sathi's business model, which seems to be reshaping the ride-hailing space in Kolkata and potentially beyond. If the company can address the challenges of scaling its user base, Yatri Sathi could cement its place as the frontrunner among ride-hailing services.