Egyptian minibus share startup Swvl to debut in Southeast Asia

Egyptian minibus share startup Swvl to debut in Southeast Asia

Swvl's use of shared minibuses makes it cheaper than ride-hailing apps that employ cars. © Reuters

A new type of ride-hailer that has taken over the streets of Cairo is rolling into Southeast Asia, a fiercely competitive market long dominated by local giants like Grab and Gojek.

Swvl, established in Egypt three years ago, offers shared rides on the startup’s minibuses, with an app providing a list of destinations and arrival times for vehicles nearby. Users can book a seat on the most convenient option for a fixed rate. Riders receive an alarm by smartphone when the bus nears their destination.

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