While app-based cab booking services may take longer to accelerate back to pre-Covid ride volume, the more affordable segments of the ride-sharing sector – bike taxis and autos are likely to vroom their way back to January volume relatively faster.
“Unlike cars, bikes are open and from the Covid perspective, indoor is more risky than outdoor. Also, bikes are meant for a shorter duration. So, the chances of contraction are lesser than in cabs. The only problem is that you are too close to the driver. In terms of cabs, lot of customers may have gone back to hometown and may not return until offices resume. This would impact the recovery of four-wheeler booking. Also, you cannot guarantee cab hygiene. Indian drivers are very poor in maintaining that,” said Yugal Joshi, Vice President at Texas-based consultancy Everest Group told Financial Express Online.
