(Representational image above)
We’ve all experienced it — standing on the side of a busy road, multiple eyes scanning for one share auto to take us to our destination in a quick and cost-effective manner. For those who depend on these autos daily, the wait often feels endless.
The unpredictability of when an auto will arrive, and whether there’s even space to squeeze in, can turn into a source of frustration. For students rushing to class or professionals heading to work, these delays can quickly disrupt schedules, making an already hectic day even more challenging.
Jaishankar, 23, was no stranger to this daily struggle. “Relying on share autos every day was frustrating because reaching my destination on time was a gamble I took,” he recalls. Determined to do something about it, Jaishankar teamed up with his tech-savvy friends, Amal Leon and Asfaq Jalal, and created two apps — QPo Driver and QPo Shareride. The idea was to track and share autos’ locations and enhance travel convenience for both passengers and drivers.
From idea to product
For Jaishankar, an alumnus of St Joseph’s Institute of Technology, these yellow vehicles were his go-to during college. “I used to travel by share auto as it was light on my wallet and I reached my destination quickly,” he recalls.
Jaishankar’s experience is shared by nearly five lakh people who rely on share autos daily, especially college students and working professionals. A typical share auto accommodates seven to nine passengers, though drivers often stretch capacity during peak hours. Their ability to navigate narrow streets and dodge traffic jams makes them indispensable to the urban commute.
“You can get on and off wherever you want, which is tricky in a bus or a metro and affordability becomes the USP in share autos. If you want to travel for 20 kms, you just have to spend around Rs 100,” shares Jaishakar.
However, this convenience is not without its challenges. Since share autos lack fixed stops and strict schedules, passengers must wait indefinitely. “Only God knows when you’ll get a share auto,” jokes Jaishankar, pointing to a pressing issue that sparked the idea.
As a computer science student passionate about solving everyday problems with technology, Jaishankar envisioned an app for share auto commuters. “We have Ola and Uber for cars and autos, Chalo for buses, and a government app for the metro. Why don’t we have something for share autos that serve millions daily?” he wondered.
In November 2023, Jaishankar pitched his idea to Asfaq, a mechanical engineering student at IIT Madras, and Amal, his classmate. The trio, who bonded over technological competitions, brainstormed over tea, and decided to bring the app to life and focus on the share auto sector that they felt was somehow forgotten in Chennai.
Building QPo Shareride
Despite their enthusiasm, the team initially needed help with designing the app. “I refrained from discussing the project with my IIT classmates as they often prioritise projects with wider appeal,” shares Asfaq. Realising the need for guidance, they approached Dr Dafni Rose, the Head of the CSE Department at St Joseph’s.
Dr Dafni was eager to support them. “The college provided resumes of third and final-year students interested in internships for the app. After technical interviews, ten students were selected,” she explains. Working remotely due to the lack of a workspace, the team developed the app in just five months, prioritising quality and user experience.
The result was QPo Shareride, launched on August 15. The app’s name derives from “Quick ah Po”, Tamil for “go quickly”, reflecting its purpose. On-ground research conducted in conversation with drivers and commuters shaped the three key features: Jaishankar suggested tracking autos, Amal proposed showcasing availability, and Asfaq designed route visibility.
Not only is the app benefiting commuters but it has also provided an efficient management system for the auto drivers.
Stabilising income for drivers
Understanding the struggles of share auto drivers, the team also created QPo Driver, an app designed for their convenience. Unlike government-regulated buses or metros, share autos lack an organised system, which the QPo Driver app attempts to fulfil.
The share auto drivers depend on these rides to sustain their everyday living. “The profits are not as high as one may think since travelling for three bus stops only costs Rs 20. When you consider the fuel prices, this is a lot for them,” shares Amal.
Despite the cost, the drivers had other concerns as well. “I have to stop at every bus stop and shout “Tambaram, Tambaram” or any other area’s name for at least five minutes to get savaari (ride), so people will know that my auto is going to that particular place,” says Hari Krishnan, a share auto driver from Chennai.
“The app helps me to know the count of passengers waiting for my service, which was difficult earlier. It is easier for me to plan my day and know my approximate earning,” he adds.
The app empowers drivers by allowing them to choose their preferred routes. Furthermore, it provides real-time information on the number of passengers awaiting their services along the selected route. “We ensure that the drivers use the app at ease. We approach them in person, introduce the app and explain its functionalities as well,” says Jaishankar.
The team makes a full effort to cater to the driver’s needs and constantly works on the app’s user interface. “Based on the feedback, we now display the passenger list for only the next five stops, simplifying their decision-making process and enabling them to choose the most profitable routes efficiently,” explains Asfaq.
This feature enhances driver autonomy and allows them to make informed decisions based on real-time demand. The driver app, available in English and Tamil, caters to diverse language preferences. “We also provide valuable guidance to drivers on maintaining their autos, such as vehicle maintenance tips, which can enhance customer satisfaction and attract more passengers,” adds Jaishankar.
As of now, the passengers have to pay the driver based on kilometres travelled, fixed by the drivers themselves. “We don’t get any revenue from the app. We might bring a system in place in the future, but right now we want more drivers and passengers to get familiarised with the app,” shares Asfaq.
A look at the future
Today, the app boasts a user base exceeding 200 passengers and 35+ drivers in Chennai. Currently serving the route from Madhya Kailash to SIPCOT, encompassing key transit points where commuters often face transportation challenges, the app provides a valuable service.
“It’s surreal to see people using something we created during our student days,” says Amal.
Sasank Reddy, a frequent share auto commuter, highlights the app’s significant time-saving benefit. “The app accurately predicts the auto’s arrival time, eliminating the uncertainty often accompanying traditional share auto travel,” he explains.
While the app currently offers tracking and booking functionalities, which operate on a first-come-first-serve basis, passengers pay drivers directly. “Integrating in-app payment would greatly enhance user experience,” admits Sasank, a feature the founders are actively developing.
“Post our education, we are planning to work full-time to develop and expand the app to the whole of Chennai,” says Amal, who is pursuing his masters in the United States of America. The student founders have self-funded the app’s development through their savings from freelance work.
“While word-of-mouth and on-site outreach have been effective marketing strategies, securing funding will enable us to explore revenue-generating models such as in-app advertising,” shares Amal. “I think our parents will also feel relieved about our futures once they see the money coming in,” avers Asfaq.
Recognising that smartphone usage may only be universal among some share auto users; the founders are developing alternative booking methods. “We plan to introduce a phone-based booking system, where users can call a dedicated number to reserve their ride,” says Jaishankar.
The app’s innovation has earned accolades, including first place at the UPSCALE Accelerator by IIT Madras, and an award under the Smart Cities and Sustainability category at the RISE 4.0 Hackathon during Kenya Innovation Week 2024.
“It hasn’t been easy managing studies and this project simultaneously, but we’re determined to make a difference,” reflects Asfaq.
Click here to know more about the app.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee. All image credits- QPo
No comments:
Post a Comment