My personal way of commuting to IBA was using Careem or Uber. But the long wait delayed or canceled rides, and peak rate at crucial times had become too expensive and hectic. It was my neighbor who told me that he started using Airlift. It was a new ride-sharing app that could drop me anywhere around the city at the most economical rates. I had to admit, I was pretty intrigued. He told me that once you download the application you get PKR 300 rupees as free credit! In addition to that, the system of payment will be a cashless transaction! This meant you could only pay through Credit/ Debit card, easy paisa or Bank transfer, which was convenient, to say the least. That was the hook that reeled me in to at least give them a shot.
When I first saw Airlift vans outside Karachi University, I was elated and just looked forward to the opportunity to commute through it. So, the next day I booked an Airlift, and forgot about it, I took a lift from IBA to reach the University gate but by the time I reached it had already left. Strike 1!
The second time I decided that I’ll go to IBA by Airlift, I couldn’t wake up on time! Considering the bus stop was a 10-minute walk, no amount of speed could let me reach on time. Hence, Strike 2!
The story of my last free ride is left to be told. By this time IBA had signed an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with Airlift. The Airlift van use to pick students from IBA main gate. So now I knew I won’t be late. But I received a call from my friend, who offered to drop me on his way back home. That almost strikes 3 but luckily, I got to cancel my ride and got to keep my credits.
The next day I decided, no matter what happens, I am going to go to IBA by Airlift today. I woke up earlier than usual and got dressed. While getting ready, I received a message declaring that Airlift helplines were dead for today. But no worries I know my stop. I reached 5 minutes earlier than my pickup time but to my surprise had to wait for over 20 minutes. There was no sign of their van and I didn’t have internet data, to avail their tracking service. In addition to that, the helplines were already dead so calling them was out of the question.
As I stood waiting, I noticed a bike rider coming towards me. There was definitely a doubt and I suspected something wrong. Unfortunately, I was right. He threatened me and demanded I hand over all possessions. Luckily my phone and wallet were in my bag. I showed him my pockets which had a cap and some tissues. But he demanded to check my bag. I opened it an angle that showed only books and cleverly outsmarted his observation. After that, I started pleading in front of him. He told me to take off my jacket and asked me to show if I was hiding anything. He then took my jacket from my hand, started his bike and fled the scene.
Now my legs were officially shaking, but at least this horrid experience was finally over. Losing only a jacket and saving my phone and wallet in the process, was a relief. But quite a traumatizing scenario and a perfect story for Strike 3!
But a point for team Airlift to think about…
The least they could do is provide direct contact to the driver, for location and confirmation purposes. A point I could discuss with the co-founders when I meet them next month in the CEO Forum at IBA. Generally, I believe it’s a great service and disruption in the market but there is still room for improvement. They would have to make some necessary changes, to gain my confidence back though. For now, I’ll be maintaining a low-key distance!
One thought on “Airlift Fiasco”
Amazin!