Ride-hailing service Along positioned as a blend between Uber and traditional Danfo buses
In the bustling heart of Nigeria, a new player has entered the transportation landscape. Along, a homegrown company launched in 2024 by Dolapo Obat and Endurance Omonibo, is revolutionising the way Nigerians commute.
The company, yet to specify which city it has mapped cartographically, has already mapped four Nigerian cities and has plans to install physical stops in cities like Abuja. This move has been met with government approval, further solidifying Along's commitment to providing a reliable and efficient transport solution.
Urban sprawl and chaotic city layouts have long made consistent mapping and routing difficult. However, Along has managed to navigate these challenges, offering a service that mimics the logic of mass transit systems. This approach, combined with verified drivers, digital payments, and a user interface that mirrors how most Nigerians already travel, makes Along an appealing choice for many.
Pricing is another factor that sets Along apart. With a segment range of ₦400-₦1000, it's priced similarly to danfo or korope, making it an affordable option for the average Nigerian worker. Moreover, Along's pricing is by seat, not by vehicle, drastically cutting costs and making it even more accessible.
However, the journey for Along hasn't been without its challenges. Union volatility and abrupt strikes by agberos can jeopardise operations. To address this, Along plans to integrate agberos into the system, including a tax per ride that funds union operations.
Safety has been a major concern in Nigeria's public transportation sector, with the prevalence of "one-chance", a crime involving robbery, assault, or worse on public transportation. Along was created with safety in mind, with drivers undergoing identity checks to guarantee traceability and deter bad actors.
Despite these measures, convincing riders, especially women, to board shared rides with strangers remains a cultural hurdle. The company's focus on pre-set pickup and drop-off points, mirroring how most Nigerians already travel, is a step towards addressing this issue.
Along offers two service tiers: Economy and Business, each with different pricing and vehicle quality options. The company also takes a 10% commission, which at scale, can add up significantly.
The Along Map, a hybrid of formal bus stops, unmarked street corners, and well-known pickup points, has been created based on interviews with hundreds of riders and drivers. This map, combined with the company's volume-driven model, allowing drivers to complete 10-15 short, shared trips an hour, is set to redefine transportation in Nigeria.
With Along, daily transport costs can be as low as ₦2,000, compared to the ₦10,000/day often required for Uber, bringing monthly commuting costs to under ₦60,000. This affordable pricing, coupled with its focus on safety and convenience, makes Along a promising solution for Nigeria's transportation needs.
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