HDK-owned Namma TYGR launches app-based cab service in Bengaluru, to counter Ola, Uber

JD(S) State President HD Kumaraswamy-backed Namma TYGR has launched its app-based cab service with a fleet of 10,000 cabs in Bengaluru. Namma TYGR is launched in collaboration with Kolkata-based startup TYGR.

Earlier, the idea was to name the cab service as HDK Cabs (after Kumaraswamy), however, the name was changed due to some issue raised by the former CM.

So far, TYGR app has presence in Mumbai, Kolkata, Ranchi, and Indore. It plans to launch in Kotak and Bhubaneshwar in the next two months. Through the partnership, TYGR will render technology support.

"We have already signed up 10,000 drivers, out of which 5,000 are already active on the app. The remainder will come onboard in the next few days after the verification process is completed. Namma TYGR has been built keeping the drivers in mind, so we are fairly confident that more driver will sign up for the service," said Aditya Poddar, Founder, and CEO of TYGR, reported Business Standard.

HD Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister, who launched the service, is quite impressed with the TYGR's social initiatives such as blood donation camps along with features and comfort provided by it.

Namma TYGR app was launched in September and has seen over 10,000 downloads in a matter of 2 months.

Namma TYGR will 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 by end of the year across the country.

The city has 1.47 lakh cab drivers and a majority of them are associated with Uber and Ola. TYGR claims to have an edge over Uber and Ola in terms of benefits such as free healthcare, accident and life cover, free car maintenance and 24/7 on-road support, which will hopefully appeal to drivers to make the switch.

Also Read: Beware Ola and Uber! Govt to launch app for cab booking soon

The company also said that it will not launch a ridesharing service, which apart from being illegal does not make monetary sense for drivers.

TYGR has till date raised Pre-Series A of $3 million last year. The company is in talks to raise its next round

Earlier, in July, HDK Cabs backed by Kumaraswamy announced its plan to be launched in Bengaluru, and further intends to foray into Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Belagavi, in a battle for an on-demand cab in Bengaluru, which has been dominated by ride-hailing giants such as Uber and Ola.

Kumaraswamy, had publicly extended support to drivers in March this year when they hit the streets to protest in the wake of falling incentives offered by Ola and Uber.