India’s most popular ride-hailing service Ola has suspended its ride-sharing option called Ola Share in India after the announcement made on Friday to reduce the spread of Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic in the country by encouraging social distancing as the numbers have started rising in the country.
Ola operates in few countries around the world including Australia, New Zealand, and the UK but offers Ola Share service in India only. The company released a statement-making announcement for the temporary suspension of the service.
“In our efforts to curb the spread of COVID- 19, we are temporarily suspending the ‘Ola Share’ category until further notice,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
“The health and safety of our driver-partners and customers are of utmost importance and we have taken several steps in this regard to ensure the highest levels of hygiene are maintained in the vehicles on the platform. The temporary suspension of Ola Share services is an attempt to encourage social distancing for all cases of essential travel for citizens.”
Other ride options including Micro, Mini, Prime, Rental, and Outstation would remain operational. “Our Partner Care teams and Safety Response Teams are available 24×7 for any concerns that may arise for driver-partners and customers respectively. We encourage everyone to proactively report any instance that may be symptomatic for us to help action and guide appropriately,” the firm said.
The service could remain suspended until the government finds social gathering safe again.
This announcement came after similar operations were halted by Uber and Lyft in the United States. While Ola’s rival in the country hasn’t made any announcement to halt its ride-sharing service Uber Pool yet.
