Startup 'Wasel' brings easier mobility to Egypt inter-city travelers

CAIRO – 10 May 2019: An Egyptian startup is allowing users to easily book shared or private vehicle transfers between cities.

Launched in March 2018, under the title ’Wasel’, the startup is an inter-city travel tech startup that allows the listing and booking of private and shared rides been Egyptian governorates and cities.

The startup has a flat rate pricing model, and says it provides safe and affordable transportation options where they have previously been lacking, according to Disrupt Africa.

Founder and CEO of ’Wasel’, Ahmed El-Rawy, while working in Upper Egypt, posted on social media canvassing opinions on a possible carpooling service between Cairo and Minya governorate, located on the western bank of the Nile River.

After receiving very positive feedback, he had a simple online version of such a platform developed, and made it available to tenants at the Cloud co-working space for their views.

Disrupt Africa is a one-stop-shop for all news, information and commentary pertaining to the continent’s tech startup – and investment – ecosystem.

The startup now 13 routes between Cairo, Beni Suef, Minya and Assuit, and has transported more than 3,000 passengers.

It also offers shipping options, and El-Rawy believes it is tapping into a major market – hundreds of thousands of Egyptians travel between cities on a daily basis, restricted to the schedules of train and bus services.

“Most of them suffer from many problems, like the timing of the train not being suitable or being delayed, besides the challenges of getting a ticket,” he said.

“With Wasel you can book your seat in an air-conditioned and comfortable car to travel to any place between two cities in an easy way and at a convenient price.”

The startup took part in the Flat6Labs Cairo accelerator programs last year, securing some seed funding as a result. It has also received a grant from the UK Embassy in Egypt.