Mangaluru : As a part of the 30th National Road Safety Week programme, Bengaluru-based Rapido Bikes on Monday officially launched its operations in Mangaluru to offer two-wheeler taxis that are already operating in many cities.

D. Vedavyasa Kamath, MLA, Mangaluru South, launched the operations by distributing helmets to two-wheeler riders who were not wearing one.

A release from Rapido here said its aim was to provide economical, cost-effective, fuel-efficient and time-saving transport to the people. It also intends to address issues like traffic congestion during peak hours by offering an alternative option to conventional taxis.

To utilise the facility, one has to download the Rapido mobile app and book a ride. A rider, also known as a Rapido ‘Captain’ will pick the customer up from their location and drop them at the destination. A base fare of ₹15 plus ₹3 per km is charged. Rapido said all its Captains are legitimate owners of the bikes with valid driving licenses. It issues shower caps and helmets to all Captains and customers and lays emphasis on road safety rules and regulations.

Rapido’s Operations Head Bharath said the company is already offering services at Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Bhopal, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mysuru, Gurgaon and 25 other cities.

Bike owners can sign up as Captains and earn a decent living, Rapido said, and added many Captains were earning up to ₹20,000 a month. Rapido offers its Captains a part of the cost of the ride, along with many other benefits.