Brunei’s first ride-hailing mobile application Dart has set an ambitious target of servicing a thousand rides daily by the end of 2019, after recording 40,000 rides within the first 12 months of launching its ride-sharing function.
Dart initially began as a taxi hailing app in May 2017 and struggled to stay afloat until March 2018 when the Ministry of Transport of Infocommunications approved the startup to begin offering ride-sharing – enabling everyday Bruneian vehicle owners to sign up as drivers and ferry passengers through the application.
In marking the one year anniversary of Dart Car yesterday evening at Progresif’s HQ, CEO and co-founder Zul’Amali DP Hj Idris said the platform now has 150 drivers, up from just 40 drivers six months ago. Their “most diligent” drivers consistently earn $1,500 monthly he said, with the highest monthly earning at $3,500.
“We are continuing to look for more drivers to meet our target of a thousand rides daily. At the same time are looking to build up a community (of drivers), equipping them with skills like customer service and having more benefits for them,” said Zul (pictured L).
The CEO shared an early framework of driver benefits to Dart drivers during the anniversary celebrations, which covers discounts for vehicle servicing and parts.
68% of Dart’s drivers are Bruneian youth between 20 to 34-years-old, with half of all drivers unemployed at the time of application. 85% of Dart’s customers are local residents while the remaining are tourists.
More than half of all passengers are between 18 to 34-years-old – which Zul says a sign of the younger generation looking to embrace ride sharing as a new alternative for public transport.
Dart also honoured six of their top performing drivers across different categories. 33-year-old Md Nurudin Hadzman Hj Awg Abd Radzak (pictured R), whose 471 rides in 42 days won him the best performance by a new driver, said Dart has offered him a lifeline after struggling to find employment after his stint as a relief teacher ended.
“I work three shifts totaling 10 to 12 hours a day, for six to seven days a week and I’ve seen the results,” said Nurudin, who has grossed close to $4,000.
“I place myself strategically within a two-kilometre radius after every drop-off and make sure I’m recording where the most rides (orders) are coming from. For May, my target is 500 to 600 rides and if I can keep this up I will be able to afford a van that I can carry more passengers in.”
