Togopool has been at the forefront of promoting carpooling as a viable alternative to single-occupancy vehicle trips, which are a major contributor to urban air pollution. By facilitating shared rides, Togopool has effectively reduced the number of vehicles on the road, leading to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption, says Migi Chuang, Co-founder of Togopool in an interaction with Anurima Mondal, Editor of EVolution Auto India.
Q: Please walk us through the business journey of Togopool and its crucial achievements.
Migi Chuang: Togopool was conceived out of a vision to revolutionize urban mobility and foster sustainable commuting practices. Our journey began with a simple yet profound idea: to offer a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to solo car journeys, thereby reducing traffic congestion and minimizing carbon emissions. Over the years, we have steadily expanded our user base, incorporating advanced technologies to enhance user experience and safety.
Among our significant achievements is reaching a milestone of 100,000 downloads within just five months, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable commuting solutions. We have also expanded our operations to seven cities, enabling us to cater to a broader audience and make a more substantial impact. Notably, the successful integration of real-time ride matching algorithms has greatly improved the efficiency of our carpooling services. Another proud accomplishment is the launch of our corporate carpooling program, which has been widely adopted by several multinational corporations. This initiative has not only contributed to reducing urban pollution but also fostered a culture of shared mobility.
Q: Earlier this year, Togopool announced a new initiative called ‘7 Days, 7 Rides’. Please tell us more about this initiative. How is it enhancing the commuting experience across several Indian states?
Migi Chuang: The ‘7 Days, 7 Rides’ initiative is one of our newest campaigns designed to encourage more individuals to embrace carpooling. This effort aims to increase ride availability and reward the consistency of ride-givers. As part of this campaign, ride-givers who complete at least seven rides of 5 kilometers or more without cancellations receive a guaranteed INR 300 bonus added to their Togopool wallets. They also earn a 20 percent bonus from ride-taker payments for each ride. The initiative is valid in Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand, fostering regular engagement and offering greater earning potential. This enhances the commuting experience and supports sustainable ride-sharing across these regions.
Q: Carpooling has emerged as a smart and sustainable choice for modern commuters. According to you, what has been the contribution of Togopool in reducing carbon emissions in urban areas?
Migi Chuang: Togopool has been at the forefront of promoting carpooling as a viable alternative to single-occupancy vehicle trips, which are a major contributor to urban air pollution. By facilitating shared rides, we have effectively reduced the number of vehicles on the road, leading to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption.
Our platform has enabled thousands of commuters to opt for carpooling, significantly cutting down their carbon footprints. We estimate that through our services, we have reduced carbon emissions by tens of thousands of tons annually, contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.
Q: The current Indian government has set a target of achieving 30 percent electric vehicle penetration by 2030. What are your views on the overall EV industry? How can carpooling promote the use of EVs in India?
Migi Chuang: The Indian government’s target of achieving 30 percent electric vehicle (EV) penetration by 2030 is a commendable and ambitious goal that aligns well with our vision at Togopool. The EV industry is poised for significant growth, driven by advancements in technology, government incentives, and increasing environmental awareness among consumers.
Carpooling can play a crucial role in promoting the use of EVs by reducing the total number of vehicles needed on the road and making it easier for EV owners to share rides and costs. Additionally, Togopool is exploring partnerships with EV manufacturers to incentivize carpooling with EVs, which can further accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in India.
Q: How has your journey been in the industry? What are your long-term goals?
Migi Chuang: Our journey in the industry has been both challenging and rewarding. From our humble beginnings to becoming a trusted name in carpooling, we have navigated through numerous obstacles, including regulatory hurdles and market adoption barriers. Despite these challenges, our unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation has propelled us forward, helping us make significant strides in transforming urban mobility.
Looking ahead, our long-term goals are ambitious. We aim to expand our services to more cities, not only within India but also on a global scale, to bring our sustainable commuting solutions to an even wider audience. Enhancing our technology platform remains a priority, ensuring we continue to offer superior user experiences. We are also exploring new sustainable transportation solutions, such as bike pooling, to diversify our offerings and meet evolving commuter needs. Ultimately, we aspire to be a leader in the shared mobility space, making sustainable transportation the norm and significantly reducing the ecological footprint of urban commuting worldwide.
Q: How, according to you, is digitalization making the sector smarter and more efficient?
Migi Chuang: Digitalization is transforming the mobility sector by making it more efficient, user-friendly, and sustainable. Advanced technologies like real-time data analytics, AI-based route optimization, and mobile app integration are crucial for providing seamless and convenient carpooling services.
At Togopool, we leverage digital tools to match rides, optimize routes, and ensure the safety and convenience of our users. This not only enhances the commuting experience but also contributes to significant cost and time savings. Digitalization has enabled us to scale our operations efficiently and respond swiftly to the evolving needs of our users.
Q: Is there anything else you want to add to this interaction?
Migi Chuang: Our commitment to safety is paramount. We utilize AI to enhance safety measures, continuously monitoring ride data for anomalies and swiftly responding to emergencies or suspicious activities. Our platform features real-time GPS tracking, emergency assistance buttons, and user verification processes. We conduct thorough background checks and safety training for driver-partners and encourage user feedback to improve safety standards. Looking ahead, we will continue to prioritize safety, leveraging AI and innovative technologies to ensure a secure environment for all users.