A Nigerian ride-hailing firm, Along Transport Limited, has introduced a new transport service aimed at providing cheaper and safer rides for Nigerians. Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the Managing Director and Co-founder of the company, Endurance Omonibo, stated that the initiative seeks to address transportation challenges while creating job opportunities for drivers.
Along Transport has digitized the traditional concept of shared rides into a structured, technology-driven model through its Along App, which offers both shared and private ride options. The company, founded in 2023 and officially launched in September 2024, has already commenced operations in Abuja, Rivers, and Bayelsa. With an ambitious vision, the company aims to expand nationwide and across Africa, making urban mobility more affordable and secure.
The Along App offers two main ride options: Along (Transit) and Drop (Trip). The Transit service allows multiple passengers traveling in the same direction to share a ride, reducing costs for individual riders. This mode is available in both economy and business tiers, offering flexibility based on budget preferences. The Drop service, on the other hand, caters to passengers who prefer solo trips to specific destinations.
Omonibo highlighted that the ride-sharing model benefits both drivers and riders, allowing drivers to earn double their usual daily income while passengers enjoy significantly lower fares than traditional ride-hailing services. Safety is a top priority, with identity verification measures in place for both riders and drivers. All users must register using their National Identification Number (NIN) or Bank Verification Number (BVN), ensuring accountability and reducing criminal activities such as kidnapping, theft, and harassment.
The company has also partnered with a trusted identity verification provider and obtained certification from the Nigerian Data Protection Commission to guarantee compliance with privacy and security standards. An SOS feature on the app enables users to quickly alert emergency contacts or authorities such as the Federal Road Safety Corps and the Nigeria Police in case of emergencies.
Along Transport has already recorded notable milestones, with 4,500 active riders and 375 drivers across its pilot locations. Since its launch, the platform has completed over 305 rides, with more than 500 users signing up from cities where the service is not yet available, signaling strong demand for expansion.
Despite these achievements, funding remains a challenge. The company is actively seeking equity investment and strategic partnerships to scale operations, enhance technology infrastructure, and expand into new regions. Looking ahead, Along Transport plans to introduce loyalty programs and additional incentives for both drivers and riders as part of its long-term growth strategy.
