Crowdyvest has launched PlentyWaka, its business-style bus riding service in Lagos, competing with OBus and Uber. The newly unveiled ride-hailing bus was launched on Monday, September 16, 2019, with a pilot phase of 25 buses. 

Speaking on the ride-hailing service, Onyeka Akumah, Founder and CEO of Crowdyvest, expressed his excitement at the launch of PlentyWaka and its meaningful contribution to the achievement of the United Nation’s Social Development Goals.

[READ MORE: Uber’s rival Swvl wants to expand into Nigeria, but commercial buses pose a threat]

Akumah said, “Crowdyvest was launched to foster a broader avenue for economic growth and build a system that will span across Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With the launch of PlentyWaka, we are focusing on innovation and better infrastructure in transportation for everyday Lagosians.” 

L-R: Pastor Debo Omotunde (Stakeholder), John Shaibu, VP of Customer Engagement, Enagwolor Johnny, Co-Managing Director, Afolabi Oluseyi, VP, Operations; Pastor Godman Akinlabi (Stakeholder); Onyeka Akumah Founder and CEO, Crowdyvest and Oluwakemi Adeitan, Human Resources Manager

PlentyWaka is a technology-driven bus sharing solution, designed to allow users to schedule their rides from their preferred pick-up locations to their desired destination and receive real-time information about their rides thus offering every-day commuters convenience, safety and comfort in their daily commute. 

What you should know: This development came as indication emerged some days ago that Uber is planning to expand its imprint on public transportation in Lagos, by offering a bus system.  

Uber’s representatives have met with transport officials from Lagos, and have at the same time, toured the terminals of the newly launched Lagos buses. According to Uber’s general manager for sub-Saharan Africa, Alon Lits, the company representatives have also met with transport officials to discuss plans for collaboration. 

More so, recall that Opay some weeks back, launched OBus, its bus hailing service in Lagos.

[READ ALSO: Why Lagos State Government might not encourage ride-hailing startups – Joe Igbokwe)

Are bus-hailing services poised to thrive? First, it is pertinent to understand that the majority of these bus-hailing services have launched in Lagos. This is no doubt because of the numerous opportunities in the transportation sector in the nation’s commercial hub. 

The poor state of the popular yellow buses and unstable fares, especially during traffic congestion, has created investment opportunities for bus-hailing services in Lagos and other major cities.