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    In a first, BlaBlaCar introduces verification in India to ensure safer rides

    Synopsis

    India is the first market of the 22 countries in which BlaBlaCar operates where the company has introduced this feature.

    ET Bureau
    BENGALURU: Ride-sharing platform BlaBlaCar, which started operations in India last year, has introduced government ID verification for members as a measure to improve safety and security for its rides.

    India is the first market of the 22 countries in which BlaBlaCar operates where the company has introduced this feature.

    Raghav Gupta, India country manager for BlaBlaCar, said the feature was brought in a few weeks ago, based on feedback from its members.

    “India is the first country where we have begun verification of government ID documents, such as the Aadhar card,“ said Gupta.
    “We took the decision after our members suggested it. The idea is to create a trusted community.“

    The verification, a two-step process wherein the scanned document uploaded by the user is verified and the details matched with government database using API integration, is also aimed at boosting the member's profile on the platform.

    After India, BlaBlaCar plans to introduce the feature in its other markets such as Mexico, Brazil and Turkey.

    The platform, which connects car owners with individuals looking to travel on the same route, mainly for inter-city travel, has also introduced a `ladies-only' feature to help women find other female travellers.

    At present, BlaBlaCar is not monetising in India, but Gupta said the company is looking to bring in revenue by the first half of next year by charging a commission from co-travellers for the rides.

    Gupta added that the model falls within regulatory frameworks since the car owner is looking only at cost-sharing and not for a profit from the ride.

    “Ours is not an on-demand platform, but supply-led platform. It is a pre-planned trip and the car owner will be making the trip, irrespective of finding a co-traveller. Secondly, it is a cost-share arrangement where the rates charged by the car owner are nominal. If someone charges Rs 1,000 for a trip from Bengaluru to Chennai, it becomes a for-profit trip which is not allowed,“ Gupta said.

    It is also looking to add services such as roadside-assistance for vehicle breakdown.

    On the marketing side, the company will be spending a significant amount in tying up with online travel agents to boost its business. It currently partners with IRCTC and Ixigo.

    “Over our next phase, we will focus on product features, partnerships and member engagement,“ said Gupta.

    BlaBlaCar has so far offered 3 million seats across the country, counting young professionals and students as a major segment of its members.
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