Malaysia-based motorcycle e-hailing service, Dego Ride, has resumed its operations on the new year’s day with 700 approved riders, Says reported.
According to New Straits Times, the local on-demand ride startup was the first company to introduce motorcycle taxis in Malaysia.
With its signature blue and yellow driver’s uniform, the company was founded by CEO Nabil Feisal Bamadhaj in 2015. Dego Ride then officially launched its services in November 2016 with around 5,000 registered riders at the time.
Just shortly after the operation, the bike-hailing service was banned by previous government Barisan Nasional, stating safety concerns. The impose lasted until last year when Pakatan Harapan, who initially disagreed with the concept, decided to proceed with a six-month trial for motorcycle hailing operations starting January 2020.
With the ban being lifted, the company intends to “provide a solution to the current first and last-mile disconnect from the nearest public transportation systems for those living in the Klang Valley, Shah Alam, and Putrajaya.” In March, Dego Ride stated that it will expand its services into other regions and states.
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According to The Star, Dego Ride is looking to widen its coverage by expanding its service to other regions and states in March.
Dego Ride also will address the gender riders’ concern by assigning male and female riders to passengers of their own gender, as Bamadhaj said women make up a high number of passengers who want to use the bike-hailing service.
As of now, there are 100 female riders who have registered, with less than 50 approved. During the launch ceremony of the Dego Ride app and its headquarters in Taman Melawati, Bamadhaj urged for women to register as rider to answer the demand.
After facing backlash from the public for his decision in welcoming gojek, Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman commended Dego Ride’s efforts in creating more job opportunities for youths.
“It was a bad decision to ban Dego Ride. It did not only affect job opportunities but also the investment made by Nabil (Feisal Bamadhaj) to realise a local startup,” the minister was quoted saying.
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Saddiq also added that the company would make a good platform for youths on the hunt for jobs or part-time employment as it can help them earn US$366 to US$854 monthly.
To become an eligible Dego Ride’s rider, one needs to be at least 18 years of age with a full B2 motorcycle and free from any criminal records. Applicants must also own motorcycles above 150cc with no modified bikes.
Passengers can now book Dego Ride’s services using their app. Currently, the service is only available for journeys of less than 10 km radius from the passengers’ current location.
Prices for rides start at US$0.75 for the first 3 km ride and US$0.24 for every subsequent kilometre.
With the new regulations, ride-hailing giant Grab has also started recruiting riders for their motorcycle e-hailing service GrabBike.
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Image Credit: NUR AIN SHAFINAS of fotoBERNAMA
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