Plentywaka expands its ride-hailing service into Delta State

Plentywaka has announced the launch of WakaCab, a new car-hailing service with fully-trained drivers for commuters within and around Delta State.

In an ambitious move to tackle the limited transport links of southern Nigerian states, the bus-hailing startup has broken into the hotly-contested taxi-hailing space to deliver a technology based service for local commuters.

WakaCab would build on the success of Plentywaka. WakaCab can be booked for personal and shared rides via Plentywaka's app, which is available on Google Playstore and the iOS App Store.

For commuters in Asaba, the capital of Delta State — and soon (before Christmas) in Warri, WakaCab eradicates the need to locate a taxi at major roads such as Okpanam and Nnebisi Road. With WakaCab, commuting in and around Asaba would be much easier.

Irrespective of their location, riders can select a driver within one to five kilometer radius. They would be issued a QR code that'd be scanned upon entering the car. And they can make payments via cash or Plentywaka’s e-wallet system, Wakapurse.

Speaking on the launch, the co-founder and president of Plentywaka, Johnny Enagwolor, said: "Expanding the Plentywaka brand into Delta State with a car-hailing service after launching in 2019 is a testament to our success and the importance of staying true to our vision. But it also shows our commitment to solving the issues of transport in Nigeria; and that does not necessarily mean a one-size fits all approach to each state".

We recognised that there was a large shortfall in private car and technology-driven services compared to the other states we operate in.That is why our proposition had to be different for Asaba and Warri.

As part of the company’s launch into Delta State, Plentywaka will also introduce its Plentywaka Vehicle Partnership (PVP) scheme. The PVP allows users to register their vehicles on the Plentywaka app and earn over ₦250,000 monthly.

Similar to the Uber-style model, car owners also have the opportunity to earn income as drivers on Plentywaka and WakaCab through the PVP scheme. However, they must pass the company’s training and vehicle inspection. Car owners can sign up for the PVP scheme here.

Alongside its foray into Asaba, Plentywaka will also extend its car-hailing service to the city of Warri. This expansion is in southern Nigerian states comes off the heels of Plentywaka's partnership with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing (IVM).

Earlier this year, Plentywaka introduced Logistics by Plentywaka and Staff Bus Solutions in direct response to the challenges of COVID-19, showcasing the company’s flexible approach to the movement restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Since its launch in September 2019, Plentywaka said it has had over 45,000 people use its platform.

Also read: Plentywaka and three other Nigerian Startups to watch from Q3 2020

And throughout 2020, Plentywaka has diversified its business model to tackle the challenges of the global pandemic. The transition into the car-hailing space is another example of Plentywaka's willingness to adapt to its environment.