Founded in July 2016, Jumpin Rides launched its web-enabled carpooling service in September of the same year. Currently boasting 500 registered users, the company is aggressively gaining customer traction by bringing a solution to local needs. The team has been incubated by Far Ventures for 9 months and this is their plan to conquer the South African market:
Current Market Challenges
The demand for comprehensive transport solutions is a priority for South Africans, with 68% stating that they had not experienced any transport-related improvements in the past year. Moreover, a recent survey revealed that issues surrounding transport surpassed those of housing, law and order and infrastructure. Specifically, their concerns were attributed to the efficiency of our public transport system, erratic fuel prices, safety, reliability, accessibility and flexibility.
Distances traveled throughout South Africa range dramatically, as do the motivations behind the travel. The market for medium to long distance travellers includes those in the workforce, tertiary education, those wanting to relocate & those traveling for leisure. National government has prioritized short to medium distance travel solutions, targeting daily commuters, with budgets and infrastructure development focused on South Africa’s railway system and intra-city buses and taxi’s. However, medium to long distance transport solutions have received little attention and minimal funding.
Our Carpooling Solution
Jumpin Rides offers a fresh, innovative and niche solution to the challenges of medium to long distance travel. It offers a (currently) free platform to connect drivers with spare seats to passengers looking for a lift. Passengers are also able to request a lift and be notified when a spare seat becomes available around their desired date of departure.
The startup offers a unique take on the existing hurdles experienced by South African travelers. The service minimizes the cost of fuel and carbon emissions per passenger, offers flexibility with customizable departure times and dates, increases accessibility for travel to those who do not own a vehicle and ensures the safety of both passengers and drivers.
Our Target Market
Jumpin Rides had initially focused their efforts on South African youth: students and festival attendees. Many South African students travel long distances to attend university, with some commuting several times a year to their homes over 800km away. Jumpin Rides aims to connect these students in order to cut their travel costs and provide an alternative transport solution to long-distance buses and expensive airline travel. The startup also appeals to festival-goers, who often travel medium distances to their party venues. As such, Jumpin Rides has partnered with several festivals to provide a seamless transport integration into their online platforms. Jumpin Rides also offers a different way for tourists to explore the country. Visitors can make use of the platform to find lifts traveling to popular areas of interest including vineyards, coastal regions and nature reserves.
Our Main Goals
Jumpin Rides aims to provide a safe, affordable and accessible solution to the challenges of medium to long distance travel in South Africa. Moreover, it aims to highlight the benefits of carpooling as a way to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. The startup’s broader vision is to create a community based on sharing resources and experiences. Our ethos, routed in the exploration and fostering new relationships, is elaborated on by Jump In Rides’ Managing Director, Pauline du Paty: “South Africa comes from a tragic history of conflict and divide. But we are seeing so many local initiatives that are aiming to reconnect us. We all want to explore our world and share our stories with others. Carpooling is a movement that embodies both of these natural desires, in a way that is accessible, affordable and fun!”.
