Page 14 - drive a2b july 2020 web

AFTER As the COVID-19 pandemic sent Australia into lockdown, the
ridesharing industry — one that’s been seemingly unstoppable
COVID-19 for a number of years now — grounded to a halt.

Now, with restrictions easing, the sector is picking up speed
WILL again. But that’s not to say it’s going back to the ‘normal’ of six
months ago.
RIDESHARE For Uber rival Ola, the coronavirus period in Australia has been

“a really interesting journey”, says Simon Smith, managing
BE AROUND? director for Ola in Australia and New Zealand.

Booking volumes were already trending downwards even
before the government put restrictions into place.
“Obviously, people were concerned about travelling around
and being out and about, and started to change their behaviour
before it was compulsory,” Smith tells SmartCompany.

As soon as the stay-at-home orders were issued, “our bookings
were hit very severely, as you would expect”, he adds.

Deemed an essential service, ridesharing providers continued
to operate throughout the restrictions, offering rides to doctors’
appointments or to the supermarket, and for other unavoidable
trips.

“We did go back to our startup roots,” Smith says.
“We had to pivot very quickly.”

All of Ola’s drivers were trained in best hygiene practices, he
claims, and cars are now regularly deep cleaned.

Ola also launched Ola Pro, allowing riders to choose a car with
a screen between the driver and passenger, and like many of its
competitors, Ola also moved into parcel delivery.

Just this week, it launched a tipping service, “which allows
customers to show their appreciation when they receive
exemplary service from drivers”, Smith explains.

“There’s been a lot going on.”

SIMON SMITH That said, for the Ola Australia team, going back to the ‘startup’
Managing Director | Ola Australia and New Zealand roots didn’t actually feel like going back very far. The Uber
competitor has only been in this market for two years, after all.
“We’ve been there before,” Smith says.

“It was exciting and challenging, but we knew that we had the
skills in the organisation to do it.”

14 DRIVE A2B magazine · www.drivea2b.com.au · July 2020