July 23: Ride-sharing apps like Tootle and Pathao have decided to resume their service from July 23 after the government lifted the lockdown imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Tootle and Pathao remained closed since March 24 following government decision to impose nationwide lockdown. These two apps have gained popularity in the capital within a short period of their launch. Tootle has been providing ride-sharing service since the last three years while Pathao came into operation around one and a half years ago. These two companies have become a reliable means of alternative transport in the capital.

The two companies decided to resume their service after the government lifted ban on short-route vehicles.

In fact, Pathao had started providing limited service  with 100 riders one week ago. Pathao said it will add 50 more riders from July 23 and gradually increase the number. During normal days, Pathao charges 20 percent commission from riders. But for the time being, it has decided not to charge any amount.  

Meanwhile, Tootle has decided to resume its service after providing mask, gloves and other protective gears to the riders. Tootle’s Executive Director Sixit Bhatta informed New Business Age that they will gradually increase the number of riders. He added that they have updated their app to help the customers during the current crisis. According to Bhatta, out of 30,000 riders, 1,500 have come into contact with them.

Pathao has handed over Breathable Protective Gear (BPG) to all of its riders.

“We have been providing service only after handing over protective gears to our riders. The supplier company is able to provide only 50 BPG per day so we have been adding only 50 new riders,” said Shashank Thapa, deputy manager of the company. He said that around 45,000 Patho riders have been granted permission to provide the service. Among them, 5,000 have contacted the office after lockdown.