Ola set to expand operations in NZ to 11 new locations

Ola, the rideshare app, is set to expand its footprint in New Zealand fourfold, with 11 more locations to be launched by Christmas.

A year after launching in New Zealand, Ola will expand its platform beyond Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to other cities including Hamilton, Dunedin, Palmerston North and Tauranga. It will also launch in Queenstown, Nelson, New Plymouth, Napier, Rotorua, Taupo and Hastings.

According to a statement, the company is looking to move beyond the major centres in order to bring up competition to the region.

Ola New Zealand country manager Brian Dewil says extending its services to the regions and achieving scale throughout the country has always been part of the company's long-term growth strategy.

He says, "It's an important step for Ola. We're committed to providing more choice for customers and opportunity for drivers across New Zealand so they can benefit from our offer of lower commissions and better value rides.

"Providing a safe and affordable alternative for rideshare in eleven new locations throughout New Zealand will benefit thousands of Kiwis particularly as people flock to the regions over the summer holiday period.

Ola has become New Zealand's fastest-growing rideshare company. The company puts this down to the fact that customers and drivers both gain from its strategy of offering competitive fares, and taking a lower cut of the fare from drivers, which significantly increases their earnings.

"Ola has already signed up 9,000 drivers in New Zealand, and we want to offer more people the opportunity to make money on their own schedule whether its driving during weekend and evening peaks, or during seasonal periods," Dewil says.

To build a strong supply of cars to support its expansion, Ola is offering drivers who sign up to the platform in the new locations by New Years Eve an introductory commission of 9%.

When Ola goes live in these centres in the coming weeks, new customers will enjoy $5 off their first three rides in these locations, when they sign up to the app before New Years Eve as well.

Full terms and conditions for customer and driver offers are available on the Ola website. In addition to launching in 11 new locations across New Zealand, Ola has also announced plans to expand further in Australia, adding another 11 capital cities and regional hubs to the platform there.