Mana Yatri CEO: How zero-commission ride-sharing app will better driver pay, making travel affordable in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Mana Yatri, a direct-to-driver mobility app, has gained attention for offering a zero-commission model aimed at improving driver earnings and customer affordability.

Recently, the platform has integrated with the Hyderabad Metro, providing enhanced first and last-mile connectivity.

In an interview with NewsMeter, Magizhan Selvan, the CEO of Mana Yatri, shared insights into the app’s development, its partnerships and the impact on both commuters and drivers. Here are excerpts from the interview.

What led to the creation of Mana Yatri?

In 2020, we identified that mobility solutions weren’t fully addressing the needs of drivers or commuters. We built Mana Yatri to tackle these issues directly, removing the middleman and allowing drivers to keep their full earnings. This approach was designed to improve both the driver’s livelihood and the commuter’s experience.

How has the company expanded since its launch?

Mana Yatri began as a small operation in Bengaluru. Today, we’re in more than 10 cities, with around 5 lakh drivers and 84 lakh users. We’ve completed close to six crore trips across these regions. In Hyderabad, we’ve been active for the past year and have been collaborating with the Hyderabad Metro for the last three months.

Who are your key collaborators?

We’ve partnered with Hyderabad Metro for metro rides and we’re also working with Google Maps, which has helped us reach more users by offering integrated metro and bus ticketing solutions.

What sets Mana Yatri apart from other ride-hailing apps?

The major difference is that we don’t take a commission. What passengers pay goes directly to the driver. We charge drivers a small subscription fee, unlike other platforms that take a percentage of their earnings. This not only benefits the drivers but also results in more competitive fares for customers.

How is the Mana Yatri pricing model compared to other platforms?

Our pricing is simple and direct, without any hidden commissions. It’s designed to offer a fair deal for both drivers and commuters. Currently, we have over 30,000 autos on the platform, with a significant portion in Bengaluru, our largest market. We’re aiming to add 10,000 more autos in Hyderabad by March 2025.

How will the collaboration with Hyderabad Metro help commuters, particularly those travelling long distances?

The integration with Hyderabad Metro enables commuters to use Mana Yatri for first and last-mile connectivity. By combining metro rides with auto services, we provide a seamless travel experience, especially for those commuting longer distances.

What is your vision for Mana Yatri?

Our target is to become India’s largest mobility platform by 2030. We want to move billions of commuters daily, creating a significant impact in the mobility sector.

What steps have you taken to promote inclusivity in transportation?

We’ve introduced the Mahila Shakti program, where we’re onboarding 1,000 women auto drivers within the next six months. We’ve also launched Purple Rides to support people with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can access safe and affordable transportation.

In conclusion, Magizhan Selvan said that Mana Yatri’s model of zero commissions and strong partnerships with public transport systems like Hyderabad Metro presents a different approach to mobility. With plans to expand and focus on inclusivity, our platform is aiming to reshape how commuters and drivers engage with mobility services across India, the CEO said.