Zeelo, the shared ride service headquartered in the United Kingdom has officially launched in South Africa. This is Zeelo’s first overseas market after the United Kingdom.
Zeelo uses superior data analytics to provide mobility services to travelers that are undeserved and only have the option to drive.
The platform builds routes using a unique AI-powered algorithm, RINA (Route Integration Navigation Algorithm).
This works by inputting customer data into RINA, the algorithm then plots out the data on a map and calculates the most effective and efficient routes for these customers.
Zeelo has integrated with more than 20,000 vehicles to provide commuting, event, and private charter services.
In South Africa, it has partnered with a number of local operators who supply the vehicles used to transport its passengers safely to their destination.
Zeelo offers a state-of-the-art online booking platform and technology which allows passengers to track their ride in real-time.
Zeelo started life in South Africa as ‘The Rugga Bus’, a service transporting Cell C Sharks fans to and from Jonsson Kings Park on match days.
The bus was founded and managed by two Durban locals, Andrew Robarts and James Champion, before news of the idea spread to London, where Zeelo Co-Founders, Sam Ryan, and Barney Williams, became interested in the idea.
The teams struck a deal and Zeelo SA was launched. Zeelo now provides services to major sporting events, concerts and festivals across South Africa.
It’s first corporate commute offering got underway in July 2019, where the company provided shuttles for employees working in 3 corporate offices in Sandton from the Sandton Gautrain Station.
Zeelo was officially launched in the United Kingdom in 2016 and was launched in South Africa on August 2018.
According to Andrew Robarts, the General Manager of Zeelo SA, said, “In South Africa, it is focusing is energy on Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban but is still open to opportunities outside of these cities”.
Zeelo Co-Founder and Chief Executive Sam Ryan said, “South Africa is the perfect market for us. Our aim is to provide safe, convenient and affordable shared transport options to those who are completely reliant on their car so they can make more of their traveling time. The significant gaps in public transport provision in South Africa mean increasing congestion, pollution, and car parking challenges, causing frustration for travelers and headaches for cities and companies. We see a huge opportunity to provide South Africa with the transport solution it deserves”.
