Latest news with #Bykea
Express Tribune
16-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Commuters suffer as transporters hike fares
In the wake of a sustained and steep rise in petrol and diesel prices, transport operators across all routes in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad implemented significant fare hikes on Wednesday. The increases has affected all modes of transportation in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including local, intercity, and long-distance travel. A recent Rs11 per litre spike in diesel prices has also inflated the cost of transporting essential food supplies, raising concerns over an impending wave of inflation. Public transport fares have risen by Rs5 to Rs15 per passenger, sparking widespread frustration among commuters. Local rickshaws, taxis, and Qingqi rickshaws have followed suit, increasing per-passenger fares. Motorcycle ride-hailing services such as Bykea have raised their minimum fare to Rs100. Meanwhile, minibuses, wagons, and coasters have begun charging passengers additional fees for carrying luggage. Pakistan Railways has also announced plans to revise its fare structure. In parallel, goods transporters have collectively agreed on a 10% increase in freight charges for both intercity and long-route deliveries. Muhammad Faisal, the vice-president of the Goods Transport Union, explains that transporters refrained from raising fares following the previous fuel price hike on July 1. However, the latest diesel price increase — pushing rates to an all-time high of Rs. 284 per liter — has left them with no viable alternative but to adjust fares. Asif Khan, the vice-president of the Transport Federation, criticised the government's continued price hikes over the past six weeks. He noted that in the open market, the prices of tires, spare parts, and mechanical services have soared by 500% to 800%. Additionally, he highlighted rising traffic fines and penalties, all of which have pushed the transport sector to the verge of collapse. The impact of fare hikes is already visible, with a sharp decline in passenger numbers. "Where families once traveled together for weddings and funerals, now only one or two members make the journey due to rising costs," Khan said. He warned that if fuel prices, spare parts, motorway tolls, and vehicle costs continue to escalate, many small transport businesses will shut down, leading to increased unemployment. Faizan Ali, a Bykea motorcycle operator, echoed these concerns. "Our regular riders were those paying Rs50 to Rs100. With fares nearly doubling, many can no longer afford the service. Now, two passengers often share a single ride to split the cost." He further noted the disparity between international and domestic trends: "Global fuel prices are falling, yet locally, we continue to raise them." Citizens have criticised the government's decision, pointing out that global oil prices have dropped to a historic low of $65 per barrel, yet Pakistan has increased domestic prices. They termed it a cruel move and demanded immediate price reductions. Citizens noted that during the PTI government, global oil prices were around $120 per barrel while petrol in Pakistan was priced between Rs150-155 per litre.
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Recorder
ELFA and Bykea: powering Pakistan's gig economy with electric mobility
In a landmark collaboration to help accelerate Pakistan's transition toward electric mobility, ELFA Electric motorcycles, a flagship product of EV Technologies, has officially partnered with Bykea, Pakistan's largest on-demand ride-hailing and delivery platform. The alliance will enable Bykea riders to transition from conventional petrol motorcycles to ELFA's advanced electric bikes through easy and affordable installment plans, significantly boosting their income and accelerating Pakistan's shift to sustainable transportation. The partnership, formally announced at an event in Karachi last week, follows a pilot programme where a cohort of Bykea driver-partners extensively tested and endorsed ELFA electric bikes for their performance, reliability, and suitability for Pakistani roads. 'This partnership isn't just about selling bikes; it's about improving lives and accelerating progress,' stated Huma Yahya Khattak, CEO of EV Technologies. 'Our riders are the backbone of urban mobility in Pakistan, navigating challenging roads and demanding schedules. We've engineered ELFA bikes with them in mind—strong enough for local conditions, smart enough for their growing needs, and efficient enough to dramatically reduce their monthly burden of fuel and maintenance.' Huma Yahya Khattak, CEO EV Technologies, briefing Bykea driving-partners about ELFA electric bikes With special installment plans and the substantial savings from energy efficiency and lower maintenance costs of ELFA bikes, Bykea driver-partners can save up to Rs8,000 per month. For individuals covering extensive daily mileage for their livelihood, this translates directly into increased take-home income and long-term financial relief. Amir, Bykea driver-partner, sharing his experience of riding ELFA EV125 electric motorbike Rafiq Malik, COO of Bykea, emphasised the critical shift, 'At Bykea, our driver-partners are our priority. With fuel costs soaring and urban congestion worsening, the move to electric isn't just strategic; it's essential. This transition isn't about technology for technology's sake; it's about putting money back in drivers' pockets while reducing emissions for cleaner cities. After six months of rigorous testing with our driver-partners, we've found a solution that delivers real durability and long-term savings - a bike built to withstand Pakistan's roads while cutting fuel costs by up to 70%. This is how we future-proof our livelihoods and our environment together'. Rafiq Malik, COO Bykea, explaining to Bykea driving-partners about the benefits of transitioning to electric bikes The ELFA EV125, the workhorse model, has been engineered through extensive R&D for Pakistan's diverse terrain and riding conditions. It has been rigorously tested, performing exceptionally on long rides, rough roads, steep inclines, and water puddles, while comfortably carrying the weight of two people and their belongings. The bikes are powered by locally manufactured, high-performance Atom Power ATP-series lithium-ion batteries, ensuring enhanced performance, longer range, faster charging, and intelligent tracking, all optimized for Pakistan's roads and riders. Furthermore, ELFA offers best-in-class warranty, customer service, and readily available parts and support for riders. The forward-thinking model of collaboration between EV Technologies and Bykea underscores a shared commitment for transitioning to clean, energy-efficient transportation with an inclusive approach of reaching those who often feel that the latest technology is financially out of their reach. About ELFA Electric: ELFA Electric motorcycles are a product of EV Technologies Private Limited, a firm dedicated to solving the problems of the people of Pakistan through innovative electric mobility and energy solutions. The company prides itself on best-in-class sales and post-sales support for all its partners and customers. About Bykea: Bykea is Pakistan's leading ride-hailing and delivery platform, connecting millions of users with affordable transport and logistics solutions. Bykea has the largest motorbike driver-partner network in this market. Operating across major cities, Bykea continues to invest in scalable, tech-driven services that benefit both riders and customers.
Express Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Commuting costlier after fuel shock
In response to the sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices, transporters across the board on Tuesday raised fares on all long-route, inter-district, intra-city, and local routes, including the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Fares on all local routes in the twin cities were increased by Rs10 to Rs20. The sudden increase in fares led to frequent disputes between passengers and conductors throughout the day. Pakistan Railways has also decided to increase fares, with an official circular expected within 24 hours. Intra-city transport services such as wagons, taxis, Suzuki vans, Qingqi rickshaws, and motorcycle ride-hailing services (like Bykea) all significantly raised their rates. As a result of higher transportation costs, prices of essential goods, including food items, fruits, and vegetables, are also expected to rise. According to the Transport Federation, Intercity Transport Union, and Taxi Rickshaw Union, the fare hike was unavoidable due to the petrol price reaching Rs266.79 per litre and diesel Rs277.98 per litre. In addition, the new federal budget has increased the prices of vehicle spare parts, traffic challans (fines), and tyres by 35% to 40%, further straining the transport sector Asif Khan, Vice President of the Transport Federation, says the rising costs of fuel, spare parts, and tyres are severely damaging the transport business. Tariq Khan, President of the Rickshaw and Taxi Union, says fare hikes are inevitable with rising fuel prices and has urged the public not to be angry, noting that employee salaries have also been increased. Abdullah Khan, Secretary of the Suzuki Drivers Union, says Suzuki fares have gone up by Rs10 per passenger. Bykea drivers have increased their fares from Rs100 to Rs150, while rickshaw drivers are now charging Rs300 instead of Rs200, with the minimum rickshaw fare now set at Rs200. On routes such as Raja Bazaar to Kacheri, Rawat, Sihala, Adiala Jail, Adiala Village, Golra, Bari Imam, and Pirwadhai, fares have been increased by Rs20 per passenger. Stop-to-stop fares have risen from Rs20 to Rs30. Citizens like Basharat Iqbal Raja and Sharif Qureshi have criticised the government's decision, pointing out that global oil prices have dropped to a historic low of $65 per barrel, yet Pakistan has increased domestic prices. They termed it a cruel move and demanded immediate price reductions. Citizens noted that during the PTI government, global oil prices were around $120 per barrel while petrol in Pakistan was priced between Rs150155 per litre. Now, with global prices nearly halved, the government should provide relief by reducing petrol prices to Rs150 per litre.
Business Recorder
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Bykea enables digital payments amid user demand
Ride-hailing and delivery service provider Bykea on Wednesday announced that it was enabling digital payments for all rides in an effort to offer customers 'a seamless, secure, and cashless commuting experience'. In a post on LinkedIn, Bykea's chief operating officer and co-founder Rafiq Malik described the move as a 'significant milestone in Bykea's journey toward modernizing urban mobility in Pakistan'. With this update, passengers can now pay our Bykea's 'driver partners' via Easypaisa, JazzCash and online bank transfer. 'This shift is more than just a convenience—it's a transformative step toward financial inclusion and safer, more efficient travel,' said Malik. 'For customers who prefer not to carry cash or rely on digital wallets and bank transfers, this feature ensures a hassle-free payment experience while reducing the risks associated with cash handling,' he added. Malik said the move would not only improve user convenience but also contribute to a broader economic shift toward a cashless ecosystem — 'one that promotes transparency, security, and financial accessibility for all'. Speaking to Business Recorder, Malik said Bykea initially launched as a cash-first platform, mirroring Pakistan's reliance on cash transactions. However, demand from users pushed the company to embrace digital payments, coupled with ecosystem readiness: 'With Raast's launch and wallet penetration doubling, the timing aligned perfectly.' Raast is an instant payment system, developed by the State Bank of Pakistan. Malik added that while there was still no option for card payments yet, the company 'may consider integrating cards in the future.' Speaking about the process, he said 'this shift required one month of tech infrastructure upgrades and now we have the more important uphill task of driver/consumer education'. 'Bykea's move isn't just about payments—it's a gateway for Pakistan's informal economy (e.g., drivers, small merchants) to enter the digital mainstream,' he added. The announcement comes just days after Pakistani founded ride-hailing giant Careem said it was ending services in Pakistan. In a comment on his LinkedIn post, Malik said, 'Careem and our colleagues there played a pivotal role in pioneering ride-hailing in Pakistan, and we respect their contributions to the ecosystem'. 'Their presence pushed all of us to innovate and deliver better services for Pakistani consumers.'
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Transport fares hiked across Rawalpindi
Transporters across Rawalpindi have increased fares on all urban, intercity, and suburban routes following a sharp hike in petrol and diesel prices. Passengers are now paying Rs2030 more per ride on local and twin-city routes (RawalpindiIslamabad), while fares on long routes have gone up by Rs4050 per passenger. Pakistan Railways has also decided to raise train fares. The sudden fare hikes have led to disputes between transporters and commuters in the twin cities. Qingqi rickshaw operators have added Rs10 per ride, while motorbike ride-hailing services like Bykea have increased fares from Rs100 to Rs130 per trip. Public transport vehicles such as Suzuki vans and Bykea servicing routes like Fawara Chowk to Bhara Kahu, Rawat, Adiala Road, Pirwadhai, Sihala, Golra Sharif, and Chaklala Airport have added Rs20 to their fares. Other routes including Saddar to Adiala Jail, Taxila, Rawat, Kahuta, and Kutchery have seen fare increases ranging from Rs10 to Rs20 per passenger. Passengers complain that fares rise immediately with fuel price hikes but are never reduced when prices drop. "From Raja Bazaar to Morgah, Rs10 extra was charged per person, yet no official fare hike notification has been issued," said commuter Asghar Ali. Meanwhile, Vice President of the Transport Federation, Asif Khan, justified the increase, stating, "Our vehicles run on petrol and diesel. When prices go up, it affects everything - spare parts, maintenance, tires - all have become 100% to 400% more expensive. We can't bear any more losses. Toll taxes and traffic fines have doubled or tripled, and traffic police bribes have also increased." Adding to the chaos, many petrol stations across the city suspended fuel sales late Sunday night around 11pm in anticipation of the price hike. Most stations refused to dispense more than 12 litres per customer, leading to long queues of cars and motorcycles. Normal sales resumed after the official announcement of the new prices.
