Like Indian “Tuck Tucks” VAYA Launches VAYA Hopper Services In Harare

One ofĀ Zimbabweās ride-hailing services VAYA fromĀ CassavaSmartech has launched an auto-rickshaw service to beat the traffic blues in HarareāsĀ Central Business District.
Dubbed the VAYA Hopper, The taxi service seeks to provide affordable transport services in the CBD faster than pirate taxis or āmushika shikaā as they are commonly known.
The idea of auto-rickshaws is new to Zimbabwe but not in the world as it was borrowed from India where they are called Tuk Tuks. Given Indiaās s massive population and traffic jams, Tuk-tuks are seen as the fastest means of transportation around Dehli and other cities.
At the time of publication, The VAYA Hopper is still in its trial phase but the service has already divided opinions. Whilst some are hailing the new offering as convenient, Some critics are already pointing out how HARARE CBD is already congested by too many vehicles. One user identified asĀ VasheĀ on Twitter had this to say:
The idea of theĀ VAYAĀ HooperĀ doesnāt excite me. 1. Maybe itās because Iāve seen how annoying those little things are in other countries.. the sights, the noise.. 2. Mushikashina + Kombis + Hoopers is going to make driving or even walking in town a challenge. Just my thoughts
Geojo Mining SolutionsĀ wrote:
These motorbikes are not the solution We have taxis and its safe that way. The economy is the problem, it is making everything unaffordableā¦We are better than Mozambique We canāt be reduced to Beira levels Cry my beloved Zimbabwe
Another Twitter User SharonĀ MazingaizoĀ had glowing reviews after being part of the participants in the VAYA Hopper Trial.
Today l rode in a Vaya Hopper (auto rickshaw) which was on a trial basis around the CBD, it was such a cool experience. The Vaya Hopper is a Zimbabwean version of the Indian Tuk Tuk. This is such a welcome relief providing commuters with an economical transport alternative.
Replying to Sharon, A OneĀ Mai FadziĀ wrote:
In New Delhi traffic congestion, the auto rickshaw gets one to the destination faster than a taxi and is farely cheap. It would be interesting to see how Vaya hopper fares against mushika-shika in Hā¦
Given the tough economic environment, CassavaSmartech is doing its best to innovate and launch exciting services in the market, Only time will tell if this new taxi services will be successful. Whatās your take on the Vaya Hopper, share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source
Iharare