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A new app-based taxi company is set to launch in Jersey next month, promising a similar experience to Uber with an app developed by a company with ties to the famous ride-hailing service.
'Ryde' has been founded by former-De La Salle students, Charlie Petulla and Harry Sheldon.
After embarking on separate careers, the school friends found themselves working together again after they both had the same idea for an app-based taxi company.
Pictured: With an app developed by a company with ties to Uber, Ryde promises a similar experience to the famous lift service.
Charlie, a money laundering compliance officer for Standard Bank, approached Harry, the owner of limousine company Signature, about a year ago with a plan for Ryde – only to find that Harry had had a similar idea.
“I came to Harry with the idea," explained Charlie. "It was off the back of the lack of availability of taxis.
“He was, in his capacity as owner of Signature, thinking of establishing a similar company.”
Harry added: “Charlie got in touch and his [idea] was better than mine. Charlie’s plan was quite advanced.”
Going forwards, the plan is for Harry to run Ryde on a day-to-day basis, with Charlie in an advisory role while continuing to work as a money-laundering compliance officer.
The duo are currently recruiting a team of drivers and an office manager.
Pictured: 'Ryde' has been founded by former De La Salle students Charlie Petulla and Harry Sheldon.
Their vision is for a younger, fresher company that is as sustainable as possible – using only electric vehicles.
The pair want to offer a cheaper service than regular taxis – placing their estimate for a trip from the airport to town at around £20 – and do away with the need for a 'designated driver'.
Charlie and Harry said that they applied for some grants for Ryde but were unsuccessful, although they have been in contact with Digital Jersey who are "supportive" of the project.
Charlie explained: “We’re trying to bring something a bit modern, a bit fresh, a bit more appealing."
With an app developed by a company with ties to Uber, they promise a similar experience to the famous ride-hailing service.
Passengers will be able to see a price estimate before booking.
Despite the Uber link, Ryde describe themselves as a taxi company and insist that drivers must be qualified. A legal requirement for any taxi company in Jersey is for drivers to have the appropriate badge.
The founders admit to being ambitious.
“We want to be the leading taxi company in the island and want it to be sustainable," they explained.
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Charlie and Harry added that they have included safety features in the app – with a track-a-friend feature, drivers’ profiles available to view before the ride, and CCTV in all cars.
But establishing themselves in a busy sector isn’t easy.
“I don’t think it’s something that people are particularly happy about, when someone else joins,” Harry said.
There is also interest from corporate clients intrigued by the sustainability angle, the Ryde owners explained.
Ryde is currently hiring drivers, who must be over 21, entitled for work, hold a driving licence, and have a clean driving record.
There are two pathways – those who own a fully-electric vehicle will be signed on as 'affiliates', and those who use a car owned by Ryde will be hired as 'employees'.
The ride service hopes to start with around 12 drivers but have had 35 applicants through their online form.
"The more the merrier!” said Charlie.
Those who do not have a public service vehicle badge yet will be able to receive financial support from the company to train up – and they hope to attract a younger crowd.
“It’s unique that we’re offering contracts and full-time employment. We’re not charging rent on vehicles,” Harry explained.
“We want it to be a good place for drivers to work,” added Charlie.
Drivers can apply via a form on the Ryde website.
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