Plan9 Brings Uber to Rickshaw Drivers

In Pakistan, the Punjab government’s Plan9 Project is designed to help up-and-coming software designers fill needed gaps in transportation. From this was born the Uber-like rickshaw app service that is quickly growing popularity in the hectic eastern city of Lahore.

Taxis and private cars are available to rent in the city, but remain expensive, which leaves Pakistan’s second-largest mode of transport, public buses and vans, which are often over-crowded.

The solution to getting a rickshaw during the early hours or late at night was a new app to connect drivers with passengers. This new connection has been a hit in each area tested.

This service was born from a need when five friends were inspired to launch the service after working on a project to develop transportation apps with the help of the government of Punjab province, of which Lahore is capital.

From necessity and desire to travel safely at all hours came this invention. Drivers report getting calls at all hours to help move people from point to point.

This not only is good to get the people to and from their needed destinations safely, but this is creating jobs in ways that helps thousands.