Travelling Mate (TM) was an idea that turned into reality on 16th Jan 2018 by graduates of IBA, Arsal Dayala and Faizan Ahmedani, who were Sophomores back then. They started with catering 17 students in 3 vans. Today, Travelling Mate is a successful household name for IBA students, catering to more than 100 students on a daily basis.
The Man Behind it All
While students opt for one of the prestigious institutes, they tend to face commuting issues. Although there are many private vans offering transport services, students prioritize safer and reliable options like Travelling Mate.
I got a chance to interview Arsal Dayala and seek insight into his amazing venture. Arsal believes that wherever he has been, he has passionately tried to make his surroundings better. While targeting an unsaturated market at IBA and deciding to act towards his passion, Arsal launched his transport service and involuntarily become known as ‘Arsal Travelling Mate wala’ – because it was now hyped up.
From Arsal’s View
In his own words, TM is a dream and his aim is to make it reach horizons: “I’ve tried that people feel safe and warm around me. I believe that the dreams of each one of us are unique and different from one another, however, some dreams, I believe, we share. Starting a business of our own was one of them for me and Faizan. It’s something most of us want to see come true. A friend once quoted an author to me and said “the dream is free, but the hustle is sold separately.”
I now know what it truly means. Having a business of your own seems easy but the reality is far from that. My actions and sayings are no longer just mine or Faizan’s. They’re a representation of TM as well. When we started this van service I never thought how big of an impact it would have on the people using it, especially girls. Although people around us acknowledge the struggles women face, I’ve seen very few step up and do something to help ease those struggles for them.
Some of the happy customers!
The Travelling Mate Effect
So, TM is me playing my part in the community. It’s us giving them that space to feel safe, and to be empowered. Because if one’s scared of the road that lies ahead, how will they ever be able to travel it? I have had parents call and thank me for starting Travelling Mate because of how safe they feel knowing their child is having a comfortable, air-conditioned, and safe ride to and from IBA.
Since most of our customers are girls we have zero tolerance for harassment and their well-being is our topmost priority. Every year we also celebrate International Women’s Day because it is they who have helped us grow and be a better van service. The journey so far hasn’t been a straight road ahead and I have had my fair share of twists and turns but I know giving up on TM means giving up on the people who use it and I don’t intend on letting anyone down. This route is far from being over. It’s a part of me and I am a part of TM.”
One thought on “Travelling Mate – A Venture That Serves the Future”
They say TM isn’t just a van service, it’s more like a family and that’s true❤️ Fortunate enough to be a part of it. They do an amazing job.